ICC disqualifies prosecutor Karim Khan from Duterte case

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has disqualified Prosecutor Karim Khan from the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte due to a potential conflict of interest.

Duterte's defense team argued that Khan had a conflict of interest because of his prior involvement in communications from victims.

ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti stated that the disqualification will not significantly affect the case's progress as Khan had already recused himself and turned over the prosecution to Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang in April.

Conti believes that the prosecution of the case has been ably carried out by the Philippine team and led by deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.

She added that these steps were taken to ensure no contamination or tainting of evidence.

Conti also emphasized that they are not fully convinced that there is a basis to disqualify Khan, arguing his role in assisting a group of victims was made prior to his appointment as chief prosecutor in 2021.

Vice President Sara Duterte had previously expressed belief in a conflict of interest on Khan's part due to his representation of victims of the former President's war on drugs.