“PRESUMED INNOCENCE”
The high-profile Duterte case comes at a essential second for the ICC, because it faces unprecedented strain from all sides, together with United States sanctions.
Final month, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the court over what he stated had been “illegitimate and baseless actions focusing on America and our shut ally Israel.”
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged struggle crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity throughout the Gaza struggle.
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan hailed Duterte’s arrest as a key second for victims and worldwide justice as an entire.
“Many say that worldwide legislation will not be as robust as we wish, and I agree with that. However as I additionally repeatedly emphasise, worldwide legislation will not be as weak as some might imagine,” Khan stated in an announcement following Duterte’s arrival in ICC custody.
“Once we come collectively … after we construct partnerships, the rule of legislation can prevail. Warrants might be executed,” he stated.
On the preliminary listening to, a suspect can request interim launch pending a trial, in line with ICC guidelines.
Following that first listening to, the following part is a session to verify the costs, at which level a suspect can problem the prosecutor’s proof.
Solely after that listening to will the courtroom determine whether or not to press forward with a trial, a course of that would take a number of months and even years.
“It is essential to underline, as we now begin a brand new stage of proceedings, that Mr Duterte is presumed harmless,” stated Khan.
