Ex-President Duterte Seeks ICC Interim Release to Unnamed Country

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has requested interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to an unnamed country that has expressed willingness to host him while he awaits trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his drug war campaign. Duterte's defense team emphasized his advanced age, absence of flight risk, and compliance with strict conditions including refraining from public engagement and communication outside his family, as reasons supporting the release. The ICC prosecution has not opposed the request, subject to certain undisclosed conditions, although victims' lawyers have voiced strong opposition citing ongoing threats and legal avenues to contest the release. Duterte was arrested in March and has been detained at the ICC's facility in the Netherlands since, while the Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to decide on the motion soon. His legal team argues that his detention is unwarranted given the early stage of proceedings and humanitarian concerns. The outcome of this request is closely watched given Duterte's continuing political influence in the Philippines and the gravity of the charges against him.