Following the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to resume assessment of applications of victims who wish to participate in the proceedings.
Those falling within the scope of the case will be transmitted for consideration of the Trial Chamber, which will soon be constituted for Duterte’s trial.
‘New deadlines for victim applications at the trial stage will be announced as applicable,’ the ICC said.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I earlier authorized 539 victims to participate in proceedings. Victims participating in the case will not necessarily mean that they will testify as witnesses.
There are two classifications: direct victims, who personally and directly suffered harm as a result of the alleged crimes, and indirect victims, who suffered personal harm as a result of a crime committed against another person.
Family members of victims may apply as indirect victims.
‘Victims whose interests are affected have several rights before the ICC: the right to participate in judicial proceedings, to request reparations, to have their identity protected (for example, through the redaction of their identifying information), to be informed about developments in the proceedings, and to choose their lawyer,’ read an ICC briefer containing information for victims.
‘Victims may share their views and concerns with the Judges through the lawyer(s) appointed to represent them in the proceedings. The Judges decide how victims will be able to exercise these rights, while ensuring that the victims’ participation will not interfere with the rights of the suspect for a fair and impartial trial,’ it added.
Victims who participate in the proceedings may also be eligible for reparations if an accused is convicted.
Filipino lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres were appointed as common legal representatives of the victims, along with Paolina Massidda of the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims.
Following the confirmation of charges against Duterte, the Rise Up for Life and for Rights urged other families to come forward and participate in the proceedings.
Amnesty International said the ICC must ensure the victims’ rights to participate and guarantee the protection of witnesses.
‘For the survivors and victims’ families who have carried their grief in silence, today affirms that their voices have been heard and their persistence is not in vain,’ Amnesty International Philippines director Ritz Lee Santos III said.