Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the fifth status conference of the International Criminal Court on Nov. 2, ahead of his scheduled trial on Nov. 30.
Duterte’s legal counsel, Peter Haynes, said ICC Trial Chamber III granted the former president’s request to be excused from the hearing. His lawyers will represent him at the proceedings.
The status conference will cover the list of witnesses, the time allotted to prosecutors to present evidence, and evidence that may assist the defense.
The chamber will also discuss agreed facts and measures to ensure protection inside the courtroom.
Duterte faces charges of murder and attempted murder, which are alleged to form part of crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines from November 2011 to March 2019.
The Nov. 2 meeting is the fifth status conference scheduled before the trial begins on Nov. 30.
Haynes said the chamber approved Duterte’s request not to appear personally and allowed his legal team to represent him during the hearing.
The conference will address preparations for the trial, including witness arrangements, the prosecution’s presentation of evidence, material relevant to the defense and courtroom protection measures. The hearing forms part of the court’s preparations for the upcoming trial.
