ICC Judge Orders Redactions in Duterte Hearing Broadcast — The Defense Kept Revealing Victims' Identities

The live broadcast of Duterte's ICC hearing was partially redacted on Day 3 after the defense team repeatedly disclosed information that could identify victims and witnesses — prompting the prosecution to request immediate protective measures.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc confirmed that redactions were applied after 'the defense disclosed information on several occasions that allowed for the identification of victims and witnesses.' She cited specific examples including 'positions held and nicknames — things that must not be disclosed.'

The judge emphasized that the redactions were narrowly targeted at identifying information only, not general censorship of the hearing's substance. 'So as to ensure the protection of witnesses and victims, the redactions are only to do with identifying information,' Motoc clarified.

The defense opposed the prosecution's motion for redactions, pero the chamber sided with the prosecution. Motoc reminded all parties that it's their responsibility to 'ensure that their submissions are worded to avoid going into closed sessions' — a pointed warning directed at the defense team.

Witness protection is a particularly sensitive issue in the Duterte case. Several witnesses and their families in the Philippines have expressed fears of retaliation. The ICC chamber said the redactions were necessary to protect 'the safety and well-being, including the psychological well-being, dignity, and the privacy of victims and witnesses.' The final hearing day is Friday.

Source: GMA News