MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares believes that the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte is airtight and will proceed to a full trial.
“The case against Duterte is strong, with sufficient evidence to proceed at the confirmation of charges stage,” Colmenares said. “If the charges are confirmed, a trial is expected within the year, allowing victims’ families to present their accounts.”
The ICC is expected to confirm the charges by April, Colmenares said. Should the charges be confirmed, proceedings will move to trial without further delay.
While the International Criminal Court allowed Duterte to skip the confirmation hearings that start today, February 23, the former president would have to attend the trial if the charges against him are confirmed.
ICC spokesman Oriance Maillet earlier said that the Rome Statute does not permit trials in the absence of the accused.
