The ICC Pre-trial chamber 1 has just postponed the confirmation of charges hearing of former Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte. This is a blow to the thousands of victims of his brutal drug war and their families, who hoped for a swift confirmation that all evidence submitted truly warrant a full trial.
Duterte’s legal counsel tried every trick employed by corrupt politicians in the Philippines to escape accountability. The sick man playbook is the most popular among them. However, the confirmation of charges should have proceeded even while ascertaining Duterte’s health. We agree with Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera that his fitness should be more appropriately discussed at the trial stage, which has a different set of requirements from the pre-trial.
In her view,
“Considering the chamber’s duty to ensure the expeditiousness of the proceedings, the chamber should have proceeded with addressing the request by rejecting it” (Public Redacted Version of ‘Dissenting Opinion of Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera’)
For the victims and their families, the process where evidence of Duterte’s crimes against humanity of murder are confirmed by the ICC, could only start their healing. Even if the trial itself is delayed, they can be assured that the international community heard their cries for justice.
But justice delayed is justice denied. This indefinite postponement serves only the interest of the accused, not the victims.
Victims' families asked:“Hanggang kailan kami maghihintay na dumating sa amin ang hustisya na ipinagkait sa amin?” (Until when should we wait for justice that has been denied us for a long time?)
The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) urges a resumption of the hearing at the soonest possible time. This can be done with Duterte sitting comfortably in his own cell surrounded by a battery of doctors if necessary. Duterte must hear the Court confirm the charges against him. He must be formally accused, prosecuted and finally convicted as the criminal that he is.
He must realize he no longer holds the power of immunity.
#DutertePanagutin
#ExactAccountability
#JusticeToAllVictims