ICC Appeals Chamber Upholds Detention of Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has upheld the decision of its Pre-Trial Chamber to continue the detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, rejecting his appeal seeking release from custody.

In its ruling, the Appeals Chamber dismissed arguments from Duterte’s defense team that his medical condition and alleged cognitive impairment should warrant his release. The defense had claimed that Duterte’s health issues reduced the likelihood that he could flee, interfere with witnesses, or commit further crimes.

However, the court determined that the medical report submitted by the defense did not present any new facts or changed circumstances that would justify modifying the existing detention order.

According to the ruling, the report relied primarily on previously known information and did not include a new medical examination of the former president. As a result, the judges concluded that it failed to meet the legal threshold required to reconsider the detention decision.

The Appeals Chamber also emphasized that risk assessments—such as the possibility that an accused person might flee or obstruct justice—are legal determinations made by judges, not medical experts.

The court further noted that an independent medical panel previously appointed by the ICC had already provided the most reliable medical evaluation regarding Duterte’s health condition.

Since no new circumstances were established, the Appeals Chamber ruled that the original grounds for detention remain valid. Consequently, Duterte will remain in the custody of the ICC as proceedings in his case continue.