Duterte's defense team to present case for 5 hours at ICC hearing

The defense team for former President Rodrigo Duterte expects to present their case for at least five hours during a confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court in September.

Duterte's lawyers, led by Nicholas Kaufman, plan to allocate 30 minutes each for opening and closing statements.

The main presentation is expected to last three to four hours, focusing on legal arguments regarding Duterte's alleged involvement in crimes against humanity and the modes of liability imputed to him.

This hearing is a critical stage where judges will determine if the case against Duterte is substantial enough to proceed to a full trial.

The defense aims to address core legal issues, particularly concerning the requirements for crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which includes offenses like murder and torture.