Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to be detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC). A ruling by appeals judges on Friday confirmed the denial of his release request due to health issues.
Duterte’s Legal Challenges at the ICC
Duterte faces serious charges of crimes against humanity. These charges are linked to his controversial war on drugs, which allegedly resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings. The court’s judges stated that his legal team did not effectively challenge a previous ruling regarding his detention.
Details of the Court Ruling
- The rejection of Duterte’s release was communicated by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.
- The former president was absent from the courtroom during this decision.
- His defense plans to submit a new request for release following a medical assessment scheduled for next month.
According to Duterte’s legal representatives, he is currently “infirm and debilitated.” They argue that continuing to detain him would be cruel, particularly given the medical concerns raised about his cognitive health. Previous court findings indicated that he could pose a flight risk and potentially intimidate witnesses if released.
Background of the Charges
The allegations against Duterte span from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. This period covers his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president from 2016 to 2022. The estimated death toll during his presidency varies drastically, with police figures reporting over 6,000 deaths, while human rights organizations assert the number could be as high as 30,000.
In 2018, ICC prosecutors initiated a preliminary investigation into the violence associated with Duterte’s administration. Following this, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, a move critics describe as an attempt to evade accountability.
Response from the Philippine Government
The current Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., expressed respect for the ICC’s ruling. Presidential Communications Secretary Claire Castro stated, “The International Criminal Court has already made its decision and the Palace respects it.” Duterte’s family also accepted the ruling and pledged ongoing support for the former president.
Duterte’s supporters expressed gratitude for the prayers and assistance during this challenging time. They remain hopeful that legal processes will ultimately turn in Duterte’s favor.
