Despite a wave of online trolling from supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the International Criminal Court (ICC) remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims of his administration’s controversial “war on drugs.”
In an interview with GMA Integrated News, ICC spokesperson Dr. Fadi El Abdallah addressed the reported spamming and trolling directed at ICC judges, emphasizing that the court remains unfazed.
“We are all focused on only one thing, which is delivering justice in the best conditions for the victims and to ensure that truth is revealed about the guilt or innocence of any person who is accused,” Abdallah said.
Earlier, reports surfaced that Duterte loyalists have been spamming the social media accounts of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc, including her LinkedIn profile.
Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, who represents victims of the drug war at the ICC, warned that such actions could backfire. She pointed out that any attempt to intimidate ICC prosecutors and judges could lead to additional charges under the Rome Statute.
Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, who represents victims of the drug war at the ICC, warned that such actions could backfire. She pointed out that any attempt to intimidate ICC prosecutors and judges could lead to additional charges under the Rome Statute.
“There is already a fifth case being tried at the ICC, involving offenses against the administration of justice (Article 70, Rome Statute). Those attacking the court, the prosecutor, and/or the judges should be careful, as Duterte’s cases might increase,” Conti said.
Article 70 of the Rome Statute gives the ICC jurisdiction over offenses that include “impeding, intimidating, or corruptly influencing court officials to prevent them from properly performing their duties.”