Duterte defense discloses new evidence

Metro Manila, Philippines - The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has disclosed new evidence in relation to his crimes against humanity case in the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Duterte lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, told the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I that he revealed 13 items of evidence to the Office of the Prosecutor and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims on Nov. 3.

The items were tagged as confidential and were not publicized when Kaufman made the filing on Nov. 5.

In September, Duterte’s camp disclosed 30 items of evidence to the prosecutor and the public counsel for victims.

Kaufman earlier said the items of evidence supported the defense’s arguments challenging the legal aspects of the “Document Containing the Charges.”

ICC deputy prosecutors, led by Mame Mandiaye Niang, charged Duterte with three counts of murder in connection to the former president’s “war on drugs.” 

On Sept. 8, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I postponed the confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte to deliberate on the claims of the defense camp that he is unfit to stand trial. 

The defense is seeking Duterte’s interim release and continues to challenge the court’s jurisdiction on the case.