The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has withdrawn its request before the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to disqualify Prosecutor Karim Khan from handling the case.

“There is no ostensible reason to doubt the Prosecutor’s impartiality or his assertions that he is not conflicted on account of his former representation of [REDACTED],” Duterte’s lead counsel stated in a document dated Aug. 15, 2025.

“The Defence, for its part, will not impede the smooth running of proceedings by seeking the Prosecutor’s disqualification,” the document further read.

The counsel had raised the alarm over Khan’s conflict of interest, claiming that the latter previously represented the alleged victims of the Duterte administration’s drug war as a private lawyer.

In response, Khan said “no grounds exist” that would merit his removal from Duterte’s case.

“The Prosecutor notifies the (Pre-Trial Chamber) that the Prosecutor considers that there is no conflict of interest requiring him to seek to excuse himself from the situation in the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with rule 33,” Khan said.

“To his credit, the Prosecutor immediately contacted Counsel, after the latter’s appointment, to brief him on the matter at hand. Counsel is assured that the Prosecutor is aware of his duty to inform the Pre-Trial Chamber, immediately, of any change in circumstances,” the document stated.

The former president was arrested in the Philippines by local authorities on March 11 on charges of crimes against humanity for his deadly war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines.

The 80-year old Duterte is currently detained in the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Government records showed that there were over 6,000 drug suspects killed in police operations during the previous administration’s drug war. Human rights organizations, however, said that the death toll may have reached 30,000 due to unreported incidents.

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International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent judicial institution established in 2002 by the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals for the most serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It was created as a permanent court to complement national judicial systems and ensure accountability where states are unable or unwilling to prosecute these atrocities themselves.

Appeals Chamber

The Appeals Chamber is the highest judicial body within international criminal tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). It hears appeals from convicted persons or the prosecution against the judgments delivered by a court’s trial chambers. Its history is rooted in post-WWII tribunals and was formally established by the statutes of modern international courts to ensure legal fairness and finality in proceedings.

Pre-Trial Chamber

A Pre-Trial Chamber is a judicial body within international courts, most notably the International Criminal Court (ICC). Its primary function is to oversee the initial phases of a case, including authorizing investigations, issuing arrest warrants, and confirming charges before a trial. This chamber was established to ensure a fair and orderly judicial process and to protect the rights of the accused from the outset.

Republic of the Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, whose history includes centuries of Spanish colonial rule followed by American administration before gaining full independence in 1946. Its culture is a vibrant fusion of indigenous Malay traditions with significant Hispanic, American, and Asian influences.

Davao City

Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area and a major economic hub of Mindanao. Historically, the area was home to indigenous groups before becoming a key district under both American and Japanese occupation in the early 20th century. Today, it is a bustling metropolitan center renowned for its proximity to Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, and for its strict, orderly governance.

Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia with a rich history shaped by indigenous cultures, over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and a period of American administration. Its cultural landscape is a vibrant fusion of these influences, evident in its historic Spanish-era churches, festivals, and unique traditions. The country is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rice terraces, and diverse marine ecosystems.

Scheveningen Prison

Scheveningen Prison is a historic detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, originally built in 1886. It is most infamously known as the “Oranjehotel” (Orange Hotel) during World War II, where the German occupiers imprisoned and executed members of the Dutch resistance. Today, it remains an active prison and houses a national memorial to honor those who were held there.

The Hague

The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, renowned as a global hub for international law and peace. Historically, it began as a hunting ground for Dutch royalty in the 13th century before evolving into the country’s administrative center. Today, it houses numerous embassies, international organizations, and EU institutions.