ICC Appeals Chamber Denies Duterte Bid for Temporary Release

The International Criminal Court has rejected the appeal of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte seeking temporary release from detention while facing charges of crimes against humanity.

In a unanimous decision, the court’s Appeals Chamber upheld the earlier ruling of the Pre-Trial Chamber I, which had denied Duterte’s request to be released from custody while legal proceedings continue.

Duterte’s legal team had argued that the lower chamber committed errors in its assessment of the facts and the law, particularly in disregarding medical reports highlighting the health condition of the former president, who is now 80 years old.

However, the Appeals Chamber ruled that the defense failed to present new information or changes in circumstances that would justify overturning the earlier decision on detention under Rome Statute.

The panel also found no basis to conclude that the Pre-Trial Chamber misapplied the law or abused its discretion in deciding to keep Duterte in custody.

With the ruling, Duterte will remain detained at the ICC while proceedings related to the alleged crimes against humanity continue.