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ICC turns down request for release of former Philippine leader Duterte

The International Criminal Court also rejected the Defense’s arguments contesting the physical condition of the former Philippine leader, saying that the medical reports show that "Mr. Duterte still has mental and physical ability to evade justice"

THE HAGUE, October 10. /TASS/. The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected the Defense’s request to release former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte on his own recognizance while he awaits trial, deeming him to be a significant flight risk.

"The Prosecution argues that Mr. Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial," the document reads. Also, the ICC rejected the Defense’s arguments contesting the physical condition of the former Philippine leader, saying that the medical reports show that "Mr. Duterte still has mental and physical ability to evade justice."

Besides, the court highlighted "Mr. Duterte’s and his family members’ public positions and continued influence in the Philippines," arguing that he "has maintained a political position and international contacts that may contribute to his ability to abscond" and "potential access to significant financial resources that would enable him to abscond. The court concluded that the release of the politician would "obstruct or endanger the investigation" as "there is a risk that Mr. Duterte would pose a threat to (potential) witnesses, either directly or indirectly through his supporters."

Police in the Philippines detained Duterte under an arrest warrant from the ICC for crimes against humanity when he landed in Manila after a flight from Hong Kong before handing him over to The Hague. In her appeal, Vice President of the Philippines Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned her father’s detention as "a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence."

The ICC insists that Duterte is an indirect co-perpetrator of murders allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

The Philippines decided to withdraw from the ICC during Duterte’s presidency in 2018 and filed a relevant request to the United Nations. The decision came into force in 2019. The court believes that it retains its jurisdiction over the crimes committed while the country was its member.