ICC denies Duterte’s request for temporary release ahead of crimes-against-humanity trial

The International Criminal Court has rejected former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for temporary release from detention, ruling on Friday that he must remain in custody in The Hague as he awaits trial on crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.

Presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza said Duterte’s legal team failed to offer adequate safeguards that would justify granting him freedom before trial.

According to the judge, “the conditions for release proposed were not sufficient to mitigate the risks it found in relation to Mr Duterte’s interim release,” adding that the court also “rejected the defence’s argument that Mr Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons.”

Duterte’s lawyers had appealed an earlier decision, arguing he deserved “humanitarian” parole because of his deteriorating health.

The 80-year-old ex-leader was arrested in Manila on March 11 and later transferred to the ICC detention facility in Scheveningen. During his first video appearance before the court, he appeared frail and spoke very little.

Duterte faces several charges tied to his war on drugs, which rights groups say led to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his 2016–2022 presidency. The ICC must still determine whether he is medically fit to stand trial.

In October, the court dismissed defence claims that it lacked jurisdiction over three counts of crimes against humanity. One charge involves 19 murders in Davao City from 2013 to 2016, when Duterte was mayor; another concerns 14 killings of alleged drug kingpins in 2016 and 2017 as president; the third involves 43 deaths of suspected low-level drug users and dealers.

The government of President Ferdinand Marcos “respects” the ICC’s ruling, his spokesperson said. Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, currently serves as vice president.

Human rights advocates hailed the decision as a step toward accountability. Families of victims watched the hearing remotely from a Manila university, erupting into cheers when the ruling was announced.

“We really prayed for (Duterte) not to be granted an interim release,” said Dahlia Cuartero, whose son Jesus—killed during the drug crackdown—would have turned 33 on Saturday. “This is the best birthday gift for him,” she told AFP.

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