The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved a request from its prosecution team to postpone the release of witness-related materials in the ongoing crimes against humanity case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a ruling signed by Judges Iulia Motoc, Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber 1 granted an extension, giving the prosecution until July 1, 2025 to complete the disclosure of documents tied to the arrest warrant and witness information.
Additionally, the prosecution was directed to file any special applications for redactions or non-disclosure of witness identities by June 16, with responses due by June 20. The ICC’s Victims and Witnesses Unit must also submit its observations by June 16, if applicable.
The court’s decision follows the prosecution’s concern that prematurely revealing witness identities could endanger their safety. The chamber acknowledged that while the prosecution currently doesn’t foresee the need to withhold identities entirely, immediate disclosure presents a “real risk.”
The defense and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) did not oppose the delay, prompting the court to rule that the extension request met the criteria for “good cause.”
Rodrigo Duterte, arrested in the Philippines on March 11, is now detained at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague. He faces charges linked to the extrajudicial killings under his controversial war on drugs campaign.
A confirmation hearing for the charges is scheduled for September 23, 2025.