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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte renews bid for interim release ahead of ICC confirmation hearing

Duterte renews bid for interim release ahead of ICC confirmation hearing

Published Aug 21, 2025 08:59 am  |  Updated Aug 21, 2025 02:46 pm

At A Glance

  • Duterte's defense argued that the three grounds normally used to justify detention under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute do not apply in his case.
The camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte has renewed its request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant him interim release, a month before his scheduled confirmation hearing in The Hague, on Sept. 23.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photo)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photo)
In a heavily redacted motion dated Aug. 19, Duterte’s lawyers, led by Nicholas Kaufmann, urged the pre-trial chamber to “order Mr. Duterte’s immediate release” subject to any conditions deemed appropriate.
“Mr Duterte’s presence at confirmation proceedings may be waived but, if necessary, may equally be ensured by way of videoconferencing,” the document stated.
“Monitoring conditions of release and contact restrictions may be ensured through [REDACTED],” it added.
Duterte’s defense argued that the three grounds normally used to justify detention under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute do not apply in his case.
The motion maintained that he is not a flight risk, cannot interfere with witnesses, and is unlikely to commit further crimes if released.
The filing further rejected the prosecution’s position that an ad hoc cooperation agreement was necessary.
“The Prosecution’s claim that there is a requirement for an ad hoc cooperation agreement is illusory,” it read.
“Cooperation agreements on interim release have only been concluded between the ICC and two States Parties,” the petition added, noting that Belgium and Argentina are the only State Parties to have signed interim release agreements with the Court.
“Notwithstanding, the [REDACTED] has already undertaken to abide by all conditions as would be required by Article 4(2) of the Model Agreement on Interim Release,” it furthered.
Last month, Duterte’s lawyers asked the chamber to suspend ruling on their interim release petition until the Defense has assembled all information necessary.
Duterte has been detained at the ICC facility in The Hague since March, after Philippine authorities turned him over to the international tribunal on an Interpol request.
The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity for thousands of killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs.

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