Former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea. Screen grab from Lu Beken video
MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his defense counsels in the proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he is set to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
“I, Rodrigo. R. Duterte, hereby appoint Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea as one of my counsel in the ICC proceedings,” Duterte said in a handwritten power of attorney on Wednesday.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s handwritten power of attorney appointing former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his defense counsels. Photo/ICC
In another document dated Thursday, Duterte requested for Medialdea to assist him in his initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber.
“I, the undersigned, identified as the above client, request the Registry to appoint the person identified as counsel, to assist me during the initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber, in the framework of the proceedings against me before the ICC,” Duterte said.
“I understand that this appointment is conditional on counsel’s acceptance to act in that capacity before the Court and does not prejudge the election of counsel who will assist me during the remainder of the proceedings,” Duterte said.
Photo/ICC
Duterte’s request was acknowledged by the ICC Registrar who will facilitate Medialdea’ presence at Duterte’s initial appearance.
“He also confirmed orally, to the Registry representatives, that he wishes to have the assistance of the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence for the purposes of the initial appearance in addition to Mr Medialdea,” said the ICC Registrar.
An online commotion spread yesterday when Medialdea, who accompanied Duterte to The Hague following his arrest on Tuesday said in an interview that the former president is nowhere to be found.
He said he was set for a scheduled visit to Duterte at the ICC Detention Centre in Schevenigen, The Hague but was told that “there is no President Duterte inside the facility. We are at a loss where he is right now.”
The ICC then quickly clarified that Duterte is not missing and was only subjected to medical checks.
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