ICC rejects Duterte interim release

The International Criminal Court has denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, citing continued concerns over flight risk and his rejection of the court’s authority.

In a 23-page decision released by Pre-Trial Chamber I, all three ICC judges ruled that Duterte’s detention “remains necessary” under Article 60(2) of the Rome Statute, which governs the court, and in line with conditions set by Article 58(1).

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, in connection with the thousands of deaths linked to his controversial war on drugs.

The ruling detailed multiple factors behind the court's decision, including Duterte’s public rejection of his arrest, labeling it as “pure and simple kidnapping”, and his family's actions and statements that undermined the court’s authority.

“With regard to the need to ensure Mr. Duterte’s presence at trial, the Chamber recalls that Mr Duterte has, from his initial appearance, contested his arrest and detention, qualifying it as a pure and simple kidnapping,” the tribunal said.

The chamber highlighted that members of Duterte’s family “physically resisted” his arrest and “publicly demanded” his return to the Philippines.

It also took note of a July 19 speech by Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, in which she reportedly mentioned breaking him out of the ICC Detention Centre and accused the court of colluding with the Philippine government and using “fake witnesses.”

Furthermore, the ICC cited an incident on August 19, where Duterte allegedly told his daughter he would return to Davao City if granted interim release, contradicting his defense team's claim that he would remain within the jurisdiction of the state where he would be released.

“The foregoing illustrates Mr Duterte’s rejection of the proceedings against him before the Court, and the will of his close family to help him elude detention and prosecution,” the ICC said.