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ICC Judge Warns Against Speculation, Rebukes Remarks By Ex-Duterte Lawyer
Screengrab from ICC
THE HAGUE — International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner on Tuesday underscored the need for accurate reporting and cautioned against speculation in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, while taking issue with public comments made by his former lead counsel.
During the second status conference in Duterte's case, Korner stressed that both the media and lawyers involved in the proceedings have a responsibility to ensure that information reaching the public is fair and factual.
“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 the court,” Korner said.
“And above all, to avoid speculation,” she added.
Korner also reminded lawyers that discussions about the case should remain inside the courtroom, saying judges and parties must not engage in conversations about the proceedings outside official hearings.
The British judge's remarks came after concerns over media interviews given by Nicholas Kaufman, who previously served as Duterte's lead counsel before withdrawing from the case. Korner noted that Kaufman's comments represented his personal views and did not reflect the position of the court.
British lawyer Peter Haynes has since taken over as lead counsel for Duterte, with Kate Gibson serving as associate counsel.
Duterte, 81, faces charges of crimes against humanity over killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president. He has repeatedly questioned the ICC's jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 deprived the court of authority. The ICC, however, maintains that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, although the date remains subject to another medical evaluation to determine whether Duterte is fit to stand trial. Judges ordered a fresh assessment due to concerns surrounding his age and health.
Korner's remarks come amid continued circulation of misleading claims and fabricated quotes on social media regarding the high-profile case, prompting fact-checkers and news organizations to repeatedly debunk false information attributed to ICC officials.
During the second status conference in Duterte's case, Korner stressed that both the media and lawyers involved in the proceedings have a responsibility to ensure that information reaching the public is fair and factual.
“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 the court,” Korner said.
“And above all, to avoid speculation,” she added.
Korner also reminded lawyers that discussions about the case should remain inside the courtroom, saying judges and parties must not engage in conversations about the proceedings outside official hearings.
The British judge's remarks came after concerns over media interviews given by Nicholas Kaufman, who previously served as Duterte's lead counsel before withdrawing from the case. Korner noted that Kaufman's comments represented his personal views and did not reflect the position of the court.
British lawyer Peter Haynes has since taken over as lead counsel for Duterte, with Kate Gibson serving as associate counsel.
Duterte, 81, faces charges of crimes against humanity over killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president. He has repeatedly questioned the ICC's jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 deprived the court of authority. The ICC, however, maintains that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, although the date remains subject to another medical evaluation to determine whether Duterte is fit to stand trial. Judges ordered a fresh assessment due to concerns surrounding his age and health.
Korner's remarks come amid continued circulation of misleading claims and fabricated quotes on social media regarding the high-profile case, prompting fact-checkers and news organizations to repeatedly debunk false information attributed to ICC officials.
Jun 23, 2026
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