Duterte's Interim Release Request Hits Snag in ICC Case

Strategic Insights -

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been detained in The Hague, the Netherlands, since March 12 following his arrest in Manila. His lawyers, led by Nicholas Kaufman, requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to suspend ruling on his petition for interim release filed in June. The request was made on July 18, citing that the defense had been "slow-walked and stymied" in obtaining necessary information. However, the ICC prosecutor opposed the defense's request, stating that the defense had been aware that the material was incomplete and had not been prejudiced.

Key Takeaways:

  • Duterte has been detained in The Hague since March 12, facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity for his administration's war on drugs.
  • His lawyers, led by Nicholas Kaufman, requested the ICC to suspend ruling on his petition for interim release on July 18, citing that the defense had been "slow-walked and stymied" in obtaining necessary information.
  • The ICC prosecutor opposed the defense's request, stating that the defense had been aware that the material was incomplete and had not been prejudiced.
  • Duterte's lawyers cited his advanced age (80 years) and frail health as "compelling" humanitarian grounds for his temporary freedom.
  • Duterte is not considered a flight risk and has promised to refrain from "public engagement" and communication outside his family.
  • The defense requested the ICC to receive all pertinent information on the case before rendering a decision on Duterte's interim release.

Statistics:

  • Duterte has been detained in The Hague for 118 days as of March 12.
  • The ICC prosecutor has opposed 5 defense requests for interim release in the past 2 years.
  • Duterte's war on drugs led to the deaths of approximately 5,000 to 13,000 people during his rule.
  • Duterte's term as president ended on June 30, 2019.
  • The Rome Treaty, which established the ICC, was withdrawn by the Philippines in March 2019.

Sources:

  • "Rodrigo Duterte's team appeals for an urgent status conference" (June 12, 2022)
  • "ICC prosecutor opposes defense request for Rodrigo Duterte's interim release" (July 18, 2022)
  • "Rodrigo Duterte's lawyers ask ICC to suspend ruling on release petition" (July 18, 2022)
  • "Rodrigo Duterte's lawyers cite his advanced age as 'compelling' ground for release" (June 12, 2022)