Ex-president seeks interim release from ICC custody

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s defence team at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has filed a motion for his interim release to an unnamed country, stating the prosecution would not object.

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The 80-year-old stands accused of crimes against humanity over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups say killed thousands.

In a filing posted to the court's website late Thursday, defence lawyers said the involved country — the name of which was redacted — had expressed its “principled agreement to receive Mr Duterte onto its territory”.

ICC prosecutors have agreed not to oppose the request, according to the filing, which said discussions about an interim release had been under way since Mr Duterte’s first court appearance at The Hague on March 14.