Duterte seeks interim release from ICC cell

Lawyer fears threats against victims may escalate

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is seeking his interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC), with his legal team arguing that the conditions for continued detention no longer apply.

They also said that Duterte—who is facing charges of crime against humanity of murder in connection with his administration's drug war—poses no flight risk, threat to witnesses, or danger to the integrity of the case.

But human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, who represents victims of the Duterte administration's deadly war on drugs, vowed to oppose the move, saying the former president poses a threat to victims and their lawyers.

Colmenares said the victims and their lawyers have been under attack, especially after Duterte's arrest.

"Given the long history of threats, harassment, and even killings targeting victims, witnesses, and human rights lawyers, we assert that Duterte's release will escalate these attacks," Colmenares added.

Motion seeking release

In a public redacted version of an urgent motion submitted to the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I dated June 12, Duterte's defense team said the former president does not meet the legal thresholds under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute, and therefore should be released from ICC custody while awaiting the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23.

"No real or concrete risk exists under Article 58(1)(b)(iii) that would justify Mr. Duterte's continued pretrial detention," the 16-page filing read, emphasizing his age, medical condition, and lack of political power since leaving the presidency in 2022.