The Masa-Sara Duterte Alliance (MASADA) on Saturday said the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber granting former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request to be excused from attending the confirmation of charges hearing has effectively prevented what it described as an “international shaming” effort by alleged victims of crimes against humanity.
Benito Ranque, MASADA convenor, said the ruling means individuals who traveled to The Hague in connection with the case will not be able to directly confront the former president during the proceedings.
Under ICC rules, the confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled from 23 to 27 February, will be limited to arguments from the prosecution and defense. Both sides may present documentary and other forms of evidence, but witnesses are not expected to testify at this stage.
Following the hearing, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber will decide within 60 days whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or to dismiss the charges.
Ranque said Duterte’s supporters based in the Netherlands plan to gather near the ICC headquarters during the hearing to express support for the detained former leader. He added that security arrangements will be handled by Dutch authorities and ICC personnel.
In a letter, Duterte reiterated that he does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and claimed he was detained against his will.
In the same letter, he wrote that he is “old, tired and frail” and has accepted the possibility of dying in prison, while expressing that his “heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines.”