ICC prosecutor to respond to Rody release plea

Without directly confirming its position on the matter, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court said it will respond to the request for interim release of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

- By JANVIC MATEO

In a statement sent to The STAR Friday night, the OTP said it will send its response to the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I handling the ongoing proceedings.

"The prosecution will file a public version which will clearly set out its position on the defense's application," it said.

In its 16-page urgent request for interim release, Duterte's defense team claimed that the prosecution has "confirmed its non-opposition to interim release," provided that certain terms and conditions are met.

The defense's claim surprised lawyers representing drug war victims as they noted the impact of granting provisional release to Duterte, even to an undisclosed third country.

"We strongly urge the ICC not to grant Duterte's petition. The threats experienced by victims and their lawyers will surely escalate if Duterte is released.

The safety of those seeking justice must be prioritized over the convenience of the accused," human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said.

Colmenares, who represents some of the drug war victims, said they will file an opposition to the request.