MANILA, Philippines — Only a small number of Filipino representatives of victims will be present when the International Criminal Court (ICC) starts the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte, said human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares.
Colmenares confirmed that he and fellow lawyer Kristina Conti are in The Hague as counsel for victims under the Rise Up for Life and for Rights network. He said that, for security reasons, other Filipino victim representatives who may be present have not publicly disclosed their attendance.
“Only two known representatives of the victims’ families are here with us,” Colmenares said in a radio interview on Monday, adding that other victims have separate complaints with their own legal counsels, who may participate in the proceedings.
Colmenares expressed confidence that the four-day pre-trial hearing would proceed without delay.
The international tribunal has granted Duterte’s motion to waive his right to appear during the hearing.