Duterte appears before ICC; confirmation of charges hearing set Sept 23

The International Criminal Court has set September 23 as the date for the confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte, following his initial appearance before the court. The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who was granted permission to speak being the counsel of Duterte, told the court that Duterte was “kidnapped” from his country, as he was not informed of the reasons for his arrest, and argued that the arrest was politically motivated. Iulia Motoc, the presiding judge at Duterte’s hearing, said that, according to reports they received, Duterte had been properly informed and understood the charges.