THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected former president Rodrigo Duterte’s attempt to remove two judges from the Pre-Trial Chamber 1 that will rule on a key jurisdictional challenge.
Duterte’s legal team sought the disqualification of Judges María del Socorro Flores Liera and Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou from deciding whether the ICC retains jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
The ICC’s decision means the Pre-Trial Chamber will proceed with its original composition to determine whether the court can still investigate alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s presidency.
Duterte’s legal team argued for the judges’ disqualification, alleging bias, but the ICC rejected these claims. The ruling represents a significant setback for Duterte’s efforts to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction. The court’s decision underscores its commitment to impartiality and the rule of law in its proceedings.
metrosundaily
