Duterte lawyers ask ICC to disqualify chief prosecutor

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to disqualify Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.

The request stems from an alleged "irreconcilable conflict of interest" due to Khan's past representation of victims of the Philippines' war on drugs as a private lawyer.

Duterte's counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, argues that Khan's prior role could compromise the impartiality of the investigation into the drug war policy.

The defense claims Khan failed to disclose this information and continued to oversee the investigation, which they argue contravenes ICC rules.

They state that Khan, in his role as chief prosecutor, has a statutory obligation to seek exculpatory evidence, potentially contradicting testimony from individuals he previously represented.

The defense intends to litigate this disqualification issue at the confirmation of charges hearing.