The International Criminal Court has firmly rejected former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's request for release from detention before his trial for crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
Court Denies Humanitarian Release Plea
On Friday, November 28, presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza announced the court's decision during a hearing, stating that Duterte's legal team failed to provide adequate safeguards to justify releasing the 80-year-old from custody in The Hague. The defence team had appealed an earlier refusal, arguing for temporary humanitarian parole due to Duterte's declining health condition.
However, the court found no basis for leniency. Judge Carranza ruled that the proposed release conditions were insufficient to mitigate risks associated with Mr Duterte's interim release. The chamber also specifically rejected the defence's humanitarian arguments for his release.
Background of the Case
Rodrigo Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was initially detained in Manila on March 11 before being transferred to the ICC's Scheveningen prison in the Netherlands. During his first court appearance via video link, observers noted he appeared frail and spoke very little.
The charges against Duterte stem from his aggressive anti-drug campaign that human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. The court has yet to determine whether Duterte is medically fit to stand trial, though judges previously rejected defence arguments that the ICC lacked jurisdiction to prosecute him.
Specific Charges and Reactions
The case against Duterte includes three counts of crimes against humanity. One charge involves 19 killings between 2013 and 2016 when Duterte served as mayor of Davao City. A second charge relates to 14 killings of alleged drug bosses in 2016 and 2017 during his presidency, while the third covers 43 killings of suspected low-level drug users and dealers.
In Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos's spokeswoman stated that the Philippine government respects the ICC's decision. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and victims' families welcomed the ruling. Families gathered at a university in Manila to watch the hearing and erupted in applause when the decision was announced.
Dahlia Cuartero, whose son Jesus was killed during Duterte's drug war and would have celebrated his 33rd birthday on Saturday, told AFP: We really prayed for Duterte not to be granted an interim release. This is the best birthday gift for him.
