Prosecution asks ICC to delay disclosure of witnesses in Duterte case

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) requested the Pre-Trial Chamber I (PTC I) to extend the deadline for the submission of key evidence materials and witnesses’ identities in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, citing witness safety and “judicial economy” as reasons.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

In a seven-page document uploaded on the ICC website dated May 14 and signed by then chief prosecutor Karim Khan, the prosecution sought that the deadline to disclose materials from witnesses cited in the warrant of arrest against Duterte be extended to July 1, the general disclosure deadline.

It also asked for the final deadline to apply to the Chamber to withhold the identity of witnesses be extended until June 20, from the initial deadline of May 23.

“Nevertheless, the Prosecution, consistent with its duties under article 68(1) of the Rome Statute (“Statute”) and rule 87 of the Rules, and in consultation with its Security and Protection Unit (“SPU”), assesses that the immediate disclosure of their identities would give rise to an objective risk to their safety,” the prosecution said.