ICC rejects Duterte interim release bid

Former president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention in The Hague after pretrial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected his bid for interim release.

- By JANVIC MATEO

In a 23-page decision released yesterday, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that Duterte remains a flight risk and could pose a threat to potential witnesses.

It also cited the risk that he would continue committing the crimes charged against him should he be released from detention.

"The continued detention of Mr. Duterte is justified at this stage of the proceedings in order to ensure that the suspect does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or the Court's proceedings," read the decision signed by Judges Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Reine Adellaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Marila del Socorro Flores Liera.

"The Chamber is of the view that, contrary to the Defense's assertion, there exists a risk that, should he be released, Mr. Duterte will continue committing the crimes charged against him or related crimes within the Court's jurisdiction," it added.

In explaining why Duterte is deemed a flight risk, the pretrial judges cited his and his family's criticism of his arrest and detention.

The ruling specifically cited public speeches of Vice President Sara Duterte, who mentioned the idea of breaking her father out of the ICC Detention Center.