Trending 
International Criminal Court (ICC) judges on Wednesday removed Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from the crimes against humanity case against former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, citing a “reasonable appearance of bias.”
The ruling stems from Khan’s prior work representing victims of alleged abuses under Duterte’s “war on drugs” before he became the ICC’s chief prosecutor.
While the judges found that actual bias had not been proven, they said that Khan’s previous involvement could lead a reasonable observer to question his impartiality in assessing Duterte’s alleged responsibility for murders and other crimes.
The decision is largely symbolic, as Khan is currently on leave while under investigation over sexual assault allegations, which he denies.
ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said the case is now being led by Khan’s deputy and that his disqualification “does not have an impact on the case itself.”
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity at the ICC.
His defence team had sought Khan’s removal, arguing that the prosecutor’s prior involvement with victims could compromise the presumption of high moral character required for his role.
The judges agreed that this could affect impartiality but emphasised that no evidence of actual bias had been demonstrated.
Representatives of Duterte’s alleged victims described the ruling as having “no practical purpose,” given Khan’s absence from the court.
The decision comes days after ICC judges ruled that Duterte should remain in custody while his fitness to stand trial is assessed, citing a potential flight risk.
If the ex-president is deemed medically fit, the proceedings will move to a “confirmation of charges” hearing, where lawyers will argue whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
