ICC prosecutor: Witnesses vs Rody need protection

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan has confirmed the need to protect some of the witnesses against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges for crimes against humanity.

- By JANVIC MATEO

The ICC on Tuesday released a public redacted version of the March 19 request filed by Khan, wherein he sought an extension in disclosing information regarding some witnesses against Duterte.

"The Prosecution recognizes that it is essential that the disclosure process begins as soon as possible following Mr. Duterte's initial appearance, and is working accordingly to comply with the Chamber's order, to the greatest extent possible," read Khan's five-page submission before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I.

"Amongst the Arrest Warrant Materials, the Prosecution has determined... that the (REDACTED) Witnesses will require protective measures before disclosure," it added.

According to Khan, risk assessments and appropriate protective measures are being "worked on" by the ICC's Security and Protection Unit, in consultation with its Registry's Victim and Witness Section.

Given the security concerns, Khan said the prosecution intends to file a request not to disclose the identities of the witnesses.

He requested the Pre-Trial Chamber I to give him six to eight additional weeks to file the requests.