Duterte's defense requests urgent ICC status conference by July 25

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's counsel has requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I hold an urgent status conference before July 25 to address unresolved matters ahead of the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23.

The defense seeks to determine whether the current timeline remains feasible and urged the court to convene the conference by 5:30 p.m. Netherlands time on July 25, before the tribunal's summer recess.

Duterte's team cited delays over the past month caused by administrative hurdles and highlighted the urgent need for a status conference to prevent similar setbacks in the future.

The defense also requested that the Pre-Trial Chamber adjudicate on this submission as a matter of urgency due to the importance of the issues raised, including motions to dismiss the case based on an alleged lack of jurisdiction and to grant interim release for Duterte.

Under ICC rules, status conferences are encouraged to ensure streamlined pre-trial proceedings and can address procedural requests immediately.

Duterte is currently detained at the ICC's facility in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs.