The International Criminal Court (ICC) may summon witnesses to testify against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.
According to a “24 Oras” report, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor could submit witness testimonies and evidence to Duterte’s defense team, giving them a chance to examine and challenge their credibility.
Witness Protection Measures
To ensure safety, the ICC offers protective measures, including:
✔ Aliases for witness anonymity
✔ Voice and facial distortion during testimonies
✔ Closed-door testimonies
✔ Relocation for high-risk witnesses and families
✔ Visa processing and financial allowances for those testifying in The Hague
Legal experts highlighted the risks of retaliation against witnesses and noted that ICC protection could extend even after the trial. However, resources are limited.
The court ensures that protection applies to both prosecution and defense witnesses.