THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to disqualify two judges from hearing his challenge on the court’s jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case filed against him.
Duterte is facing charges related to alleged extrajudicial killings carried out under his controversial war on drugs during his term as president.
The ICC plenary of judges convened on June 9 to deliberate on Duterte’s bid to remove Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera from his case.
“The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, decided to reject the application,”
the court stated in a decision signed by Judge Tomoko Akane.
A detailed explanation of the ruling will be issued at a later date, according to the tribunal.
In his application, Duterte sought the disqualification of Alapini-Gansou and Flores from presiding over his Defence Challenge with Respect to Jurisdiction, arguing that their participation could compromise impartiality.
Meanwhile, the ICC’s Office of the Public Counsel for Victims has urged the court to dismiss Duterte’s challenge to its jurisdiction, signaling strong opposition to any attempt to halt or delay proceedings.
