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Advocates Philippines
Too Powerful To Let Go? ICC Prosecutors Oppose Duterte's Plea For Release
Photo credit: Senate PH
June 24, 2025 – The Hague
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has asked the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to junk the "urgent request for interim release" filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The Office of the Prosecutor has urged the International Criminal Court to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release,” the ICC said in a filing that quickly drew international attention.
Prosecutors argued that keeping Duterte in detention is necessary to ensure that he appears for trial, does not obstruct or endanger ongoing investigations, and does not commit similar crimes while awaiting proceedings.
They didn’t stop there. The prosecution also pointed to Duterte’s “continued influence, strong political network, and international connections” as serious concerns—saying these factors could allow him to interfere with legal proceedings or even intimidate witnesses.
His track record was also a major red flag. The filing cited Duterte’s “history of encouraging extrajudicial killings and open defiance of the ICC” as additional reasons why interim release should not be granted.
As the case continues to unfold, the world watches closely—wondering whether the ICC will stand firm or make an exception for one of the most controversial figures in modern Philippine politics.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has asked the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to junk the "urgent request for interim release" filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The Office of the Prosecutor has urged the International Criminal Court to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release,” the ICC said in a filing that quickly drew international attention.
Prosecutors argued that keeping Duterte in detention is necessary to ensure that he appears for trial, does not obstruct or endanger ongoing investigations, and does not commit similar crimes while awaiting proceedings.
They didn’t stop there. The prosecution also pointed to Duterte’s “continued influence, strong political network, and international connections” as serious concerns—saying these factors could allow him to interfere with legal proceedings or even intimidate witnesses.
His track record was also a major red flag. The filing cited Duterte’s “history of encouraging extrajudicial killings and open defiance of the ICC” as additional reasons why interim release should not be granted.
As the case continues to unfold, the world watches closely—wondering whether the ICC will stand firm or make an exception for one of the most controversial figures in modern Philippine politics.
Jun 24, 2025
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