ICC Prosecutors Urge Court to Deny Duterte’s Request for Provisional Release

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has urged the court to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for provisional release.

The prosecution argued that Duterte’s continued detention is essential to ensure his presence during trial, emphasizing that he does not acknowledge the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against him.

They highlighted Duterte’s past statements opposing the ICC and referenced the petition he filed with the Philippine Supreme Court challenging the government’s cooperation with the ICC.

Furthermore, the prosecution noted that Duterte’s lawyers and family have claimed he was kidnapped and have vowed to bring him back to the Philippines.

“A victim of kidnapping is unlikely to voluntarily return to the custody of their captors if given the chance to escape. Mr. Duterte, his family, outspoken supporters, and legal counsel all regard him as a kidnapping victim,” the prosecution stated.

The prosecution also pointed out that Duterte’s allies and family members continue to hold influential positions, specifically mentioning Vice President Sara Duterte, who has openly expressed that she considers his detention illegitimate.

Additionally, they warned that Duterte’s release could jeopardize the ongoing investigation by providing opportunities to intimidate or threaten witnesses, given his apparent continuing influence.

The prosecution added that the former president would gain increased access to his associates if released.

They further alleged that Duterte and his circle interfered with previous investigations, including probes into alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in Davao City in 2009, and Senate inquiries into the drug war conducted in 2016 and 2017.

They also cited the arrest of former Senator Leila De Lima, a known critic of Duterte, as well as his threats toward opponents of his drug war campaign.

Finally, the prosecution denied any agreement had been reached with the Defense regarding Duterte’s proposed release to the Philippines, as suggested by his camp, clarifying that any understanding was contingent on Duterte being released to a foreign country.