Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) raised concerns over the spread of “fake news” surrounding the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte and warned lawyers involved in the proceedings against issuing public comments that could undermine the court process.
During the second status conference on Tuesday, June 23, ICC Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the case has attracted intense media attention in the Philippines, including on social media, where misinformation has proliferated.
“This case has attracted, not surprisingly, a substantial amount of media interest in the Philippines in particular,” Korner said. “Additionally, it appears to have provoked suppliers of what is undoubtedly fake news and obviously fake news.”
She noted the need for accurate and fair reporting of court proceedings, especially given the gravity of the charges against Duterte.
“The first thing we wish to emphasize is the need for the media to report to the public accurately and fairly what is said in court and, above all, to avoid speculation,” the judge said.
“That is important in any trial, and it’s doubly important when it comes to a trial of serious allegations, and nothing could be more serious than these allegations of criminal activity,” she added.
Korner also reminded journalists and observers that information discussed in private sessions may not be publicly reported.
She then turned her attention to lawyers in the case, specifically citing comments made by former Duterte lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman.
Korner said the Pre-Trial Chamber had already reminded Kaufman in October 2025 of his professional duty to remain respectful and courteous toward the court.
“Regrettably, that reminder had no effect,” Korner said.
She noted that following an Appeals Chamber ruling on jurisdiction in April, Kaufman gave media interviews commenting on the court’s decision.
“Some of those comments were his personal view of legal decisions made by the court as a whole and were, on any showing, wholly inappropriate,” Korner said.
“The more so when made by counsel in the case,” she said.
In light of those incidents, the chamber issued a fresh warning to all lawyers involved in the Duterte proceedings.
“We see no reason why counsel should feel it necessary to make any comment to the media,” Korner said.
“The appropriate forum for counsel to raise matters is in the courtroom. Trials are not conducted by the court of public opinion but by this court during the course of the proceedings,” she added.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity of murder over killings linked to his anti-drug campaign as president and as mayor of Davao City. His trial will begin on Nov. 30.
