The International Criminal Court (ICC) has modified the detention conditions for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, authorizing the addition of one more individual to his list of approved, non-privileged contacts.
In a formal directive issued on June 11, Trial Chamber III granted a defense request to permit communication with an individual whose identity remains withheld from public records. In easing the current restrictions, the court indicated that the previous limitations were no longer required under the present circumstances.
“In light of these circumstances, the Chamber finds that the current prohibitions on calls and visits between the Accused… no longer seem necessary.”
The ruling officially expands the former president’s permitted communication circle, directing court administrators to implement the change under existing security protocols.
“The Chamber therefore orders the Registry to add [REDACTED] to the list of the Accused’s nonprivileged contacts, under the conditions as set forth in the previous decisions.”
The panel of judges clarified that the adjustment aligns with standard detention protocols, which generally allow detainees to maintain relationships with family and other approved individuals through telephone calls, mail, and in-person visits.
Duterte’s legal defense team originally petitioned for the adjustment in May, explicitly noting that all communications would remain subject to official monitoring and oversight.
Duterte is scheduled to stand trial on November 30 to face charges of crimes against humanity. The allegations are tied to the large-scale casualties reported during the anti-illegal drugs campaign implemented throughout his presidential administration.