ICC rejects Duterte's bid for interim release

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied the request of former president Rodrigo Duterte for interim release, saying his continued detention remains necessary under the court’s founding statute.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

In a decision issued by the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on Friday, Oct. 10, the tribunal rejected both the “Urgent Request for Interim Release” and the “Renewed Request for Interim Release” filed by Duterte’s legal team.

“The Chamber finds that Mr. Duterte’s detention continues to remain necessary under article 60(2) of the Statute based on each of the requirements set by article 58(1) of the Statute,” the 23-page ruling read.

The Chamber’s final order was categorical: “REJECTS the Request and the Renewed Request; ORDERS the continued detention of Mr. Duterte.”

In their petition, Duterte’s lawyers argued that the former president was not a flight risk, citing his declining health and global recognizability.