The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted the request of the Philippine government to extend the deadline for the submission of its appeal brief on the investigation of alleged drug-related crimes against humanity under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a five-page decision, the Appeals Chamber said the Philippines has until 4 p.m. (16:00H) of March 13 to submit the brief which should contain its arguments on why the ICC investigation into these alleged crimes should not continue.
“The Appeals Chamber considers that the Republic of the Philippines has provided valid reasons in support of its Application. In particular, it notes the new administration’s logistical and administrative constraints,” the decision states.
The government is submitting the brief to substantiate its notice of appeal on Feb. 3 seeking to reverse the Jan. 26, 2023 decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber I that granted the request of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to resume its drug war probe which has been suspended since November 2021.
Read the decision here.
