Duterte's ICC Trial Begins Nov. 30

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will begin the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on November 30, with hearings scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in The Hague, or 5 p.m. Philippine time.

The trial will be heard by Trial Chamber III, which will assess three counts of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

The chamber will first determine whether Duterte understands the charges against him and whether he admits guilt or pleads not guilty. Opening statements from the prosecution and the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims (CLRVs) will follow.

The prosecution is allowed six hours for its opening statement, while the victims' representatives have three hours. Hearings will be held across four daily sessions with specific time slots in both The Hague and Manila.

The first prosecution witness is expected to testify after the opening statements, though the schedule may change based on the proceedings. The trial will address three distinct counts of alleged killings during Duterte's time as mayor and president.

Duterte will be tried by a three-member chamber, including Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou, who will oversee the proceedings and ensure the rights of all parties are respected.