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12h ago

ICC Denies Duterte’s Interim Release, Citing Flight Risk and Witness Threats

Judges will rule separately on his fitness to stand trial.

Duterte seemed dazed in his only appearance by videolink at the ICC
FILE - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the troops during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines on Dec. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)
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Overview

  • The pre-trial chamber ruled that continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance and to safeguard the proceedings and potential witnesses.
  • Judges pointed to Duterte’s political contacts and support network, including Vice President Sara Duterte, as factors that could facilitate absconding.
  • The defense sought release on medical grounds citing cognitive impairment, but the court said the filings did not negate the identified risks.
  • Prosecutors have filed three counts of crimes against humanity alleging Duterte’s involvement in at least 76 murders linked to the anti-drug campaign.
  • Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 and has been held at the ICC detention unit in The Hague, while the confirmation-of-charges hearing is postponed pending a fitness determination.