ICC prosecutors won’t weigh in on Duterte’s bid to disqualify victims’ lawyers

THE Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has declined to weigh in on a request by the defense team of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to disqualify the external legal representatives for victims of his administration’s war on drugs.

In a three-page filing dated Feb. 16, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told the court the prosecution “takes no position” on the defense’s move to remove the victims’ lawyers.

“The Prosecution informs the Chamber that it takes no position on the ‘Defence Request for the Disqualification of the External Legal Representatives for the Victims,’” Mr. Niang said.

The disqualification bid was formally submitted by Mr. Duterte’s camp on Feb. 11, just weeks after the court appointed the Filipino legal team.

The motion seeks to revoke the designations of human rights lawyers Joel R. Butuyan and Gilbert T. Andres, as well as case manager Nicolene S. Arcaina, over a supposed “conflict of interest.” The defense, led by Nicholas Kaufman, argued that the team poses an “impediment to representation,” though specific supporting claims in the filing remained redacted.

“Should it assist the Chamber in considering the Defense’s request, the Prosecution confirms that it will not rely on [REDACTED] for the confirmation of charges hearing. The Prosecution also does not intend to rely on [REDACTED] at trial,” the prosecution added.

Mr. Duterte, currently detained at the Hague, is facing crimes against humanity for murders set for confirmation of charges on alleged three counts starting on Feb. 23. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking