MANILA, Philippines–The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has filed objections to the proposed mechanisms for drug war victims participating in his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Led by defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lawyers want the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber to limit the types of identification documents victims can use to national IDs or up-to-date passports.
The defense argues that restricting identification documents will streamline proceedings and reduce potential fraud cases.
Critics contend that these restrictions could exclude many victims who might face challenges in obtaining such identification.
The ICC registry has disclosed the addition of a new lawyer to Duterte’s defense team as the case proceeds.
The trial centers on alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s controversial drug war policies while in office.
The ICC views the participation of victims as essential to delivering justice for alleged human rights abuses.
Duterte’s lawyers believe that limiting victim participation will prevent unnecessary delays and complications in the judicial process.
The Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to make a decision on the proposed limitations in the coming weeks.
