ICC Prosecutor Opposes Duterte Interim Release Amid Flight Risk Concerns

The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor has strongly opposed President Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release, arguing that his continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial and to prevent obstruction of justice. The prosecution cited Duterte's history of refusing to recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, his threats against court personnel, and his political influence in the Philippines as factors that make him a flight risk and pose risks to witnesses. Duterte's defense claimed the prosecution agreed to non-opposition for his release to a chosen country, but the prosecution clarified that agreement was only for a different country with a history of cooperation with the court. The prosecution also highlighted Duterte's past resistance to arrest, including claims of abduction and incidents involving his family, as well as his alleged interference with investigations and threats to critics during his presidency. The ICC is currently holding Duterte at its detention unit in the Netherlands, where he faces charges related to alleged crimes against humanity during his controversial war on drugs. Despite the defense's humanitarian arguments, the prosecution urges the court to reject the interim release petition.