Colmenares, Conti say unfolding events an opportunity to witness intricacies of due process.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte shall make his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands at 9 PM Manila time tonight, an event lawyers said illustrates how persons suspected of crimes should be arrested and taken into custody by authorities.
Bayan Muna first nominee Atty. Neri Colmenares and fourth nominee Atty. Kristina Conti said Duterte shall appear before the ICC’s Pre-Trial chamber to determine if the person in custody is indeed Duterte and if he has been informed of and understands the crimes which he is alleged to have committed.
The two rights lawyers also said the appearance shall determine if the accused is aware of his rights under the Rome Statute, including the right to apply for interim release pending trial.
Colmenares and Conti said that while Duterte has the right to seek an interim release, he should not be entitled to special treatment considering that the detention facility is well-equipped to assist him.
The lawyers added that the potential risks of interference in the processes of the court are “great.”
“Victims believe he is a flight risk – he is running for mayor of Davao City – and a threat to the safety of witnesses and evidence, and will present these comments on any such petition in a timely and proper manner,” the Bayan Muna nominees said in a statement Friday.
Conti is a counsel to kin of victims of Duterte’s “war on drugs” who have filed complaints before the ICC.
Meanwhile, Duterte has reportedly named his former Cabinet executive secretary Salvador Medialdea as his counsel on record in tonight’s appearance.
Medialdea had been ordered by Philippine authorities to accompany his former boss to The Hague after being arrested along with Duterte last March 11 for disrupting the arrest proceedings.
Medialdea had since been giving interviews in The Hague claiming that Duterte is being hidden by the ICC after failing to consult with his client last Thursday.
Colmenares and Conti however disagree, saying unfolding events at the ICC is a unique opportunity for everyone to witness the intricacies of due process.
The two pointed out that the victims of Duterte’s “war on drugs” have barely enjoyed the same rights now being given the former president.
“Duterte’s best defense lies within the court’s walls, not with politics in the Philippines or rallying outside the detention center. For all the damage done, allow us this one comfort and opportunity to confront him in an even playing field,” the two said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
