UN rapporteur seeks SC approval as ‘amicus curiae’ in Ressa’s appeal

By Rey E. Requejo

UNITED Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court (SC) to allow her to intervene as “amicus curiae” and to admit her amicus brief in the appeal of Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa on her conviction for cyberlibel by the Manila regional trial court.

In a motion for leave of court, Dean Rodel Taton of the Graduate School of Law San Sebastian College Recoletos-Manila, who is serving as Khan’s attorney-in-fact, stressed that while an amicus curiae or “friend of the court” is usually invited by the court to provide insights to a case, Khan hopes to be allowed by the magistrates to intervene as an expert in Ressa’s case.

“She just wanted to be allowed to appear as an amicus curiae and for her submission to be admitted by the court. She is seeking the court’s permission for this purpose,” Taton said, in an interview with reporters after he filed the motion.

Khan’s briefer said as an expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council she has the mandate and task to gather relevant information in relation to alleged violations of right to freedom of opinion and expression.

According to her, she also has the authority and power to provide recommendations and suggestions to promote and pro-