ICC Deputy Prosecutor Leads Duterte Case Amid Prosecutor’s Leave
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang will assume responsibility for the case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This change comes as ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan takes a leave of absence. The key development highlights the continued efforts of the ICC to pursue justice in high-profile cases worldwide.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) confirmed that both Deputy Prosecutors Niang and Nazhat Shameem Khan have taken over the leadership and administrative duties of the office during this period. Specifically, Niang will maintain full leadership over the Situation in the Philippines and the ongoing case against Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Commitment to Justice for Victims of Rome Statute Crimes
The ICC reaffirmed its dedication to effectively carrying out its mandate to deliver justice for victims of Rome Statute crimes across all global cases. This statement underscores the court’s resolve to continue its work without interruption despite changes in its leadership team.
The temporary leave of Prosecutor Karim Khan follows an internal investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services into allegations of misconduct. Meanwhile, the ICC remains steadfast in advancing its cases.
Background on Duterte’s ICC Case
Former President Duterte was arrested in the Philippines on March 11 on charges related to crimes against humanity. These charges stem from alleged extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. Currently, Duterte is detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, awaiting further judicial proceedings.
The ICC chamber has scheduled a hearing to confirm the charges against Duterte on September 23, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the court’s handling of this high-profile case.
Profile of Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang
Deputy Prosecutor Niang brings a wealth of experience to the ICC. He has held senior judicial roles in Senegal, including serving as prosecutor general at the Appeals Court of Saint Louis and director of Criminal Affairs and Pardons at the Senegalese Ministry of Justice. Additionally, Niang has served as a trial attorney and magistrate at the Regional Tribunal of Dakar and worked with the Senegalese Supreme Court.
Internationally, Niang’s career includes positions at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and as a regional representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Southern Africa. He has also served as a judge at the Appeals Chamber of the ICTR and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
With this extensive background, Niang is well-positioned to lead the ICC’s efforts in the Philippines case during the current prosecutor’s absence.
For more news and updates on International Criminal Court Deputy Prosecutor, visit Filipinokami.com.