(UPDATE) THE efforts of former president Rodrigo Duterte's defense team to undermine the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) or secure his temporary release are almost certain to fail, one of the lawyers representing drug war victims has argued. The acts in question happened while the Philippines was under the court's jurisdiction." Any attempt to rehash the jurisdiction issue, she said, would not only be legally weak but also perceived to be an attempt to delay the proceedings. The trial is expected to feature not only forensic and testimonial evidence but also victim participation — a unique aspect of ICC proceedings. "They are part of this process, and they will be heard." Although the ICC is a legal institution, Conti acknowledged that a trial carries tremendous political weight. But more than anything, we must remember who this trial is really for: the victims, the families, the silenced," she said.. Read Full Story
