Duterte Asks ICC for Temporary Release to Unnamed Country

Former president Rodrigo Duterte has requested interim release from ICC custody while awaiting trial over his controversial drug war.

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Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant him interim release to an unnamed country. His lawyer, Nicolas Kaufman, submitted the request on June 12, saying a foreign government had already agreed in principle to host Duterte while his case is pending.

ICC rules allow temporary release under certain terms

Kaufman pointed to Article 60 of the Rome Statute, which allows temporary release for individuals in ICC custody if they don’t pose a flight risk or interfere with proceedings. He argued Duterte doesn’t meet any of the conditions that justify continued detention.

فيديو ذات صلة

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According to the filing, Duterte “does not pose an objective risk of flight, nor is his detention necessary to protect the investigation’s integrity.”

No objection from ICC prosecution

Kaufman also stated that the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor does not oppose the request. He said this lack of opposition shows there is “minimal risk” that Duterte would flee, obstruct justice, or repeat offenses related to the charges.

Detained since March over drug war allegations

Duterte was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 and has since been held in a facility in The Hague. He faces charges related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during his violent anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022. Thousands of people were killed during the crackdown, drawing global criticism.

Next steps

The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber will decide whether to approve Duterte’s temporary release. If approved, he would be sent to the unnamed country under conditions set by the court.

No public timeline has been given for the decision.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here