The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly advocated for the continued detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, urging the Appeals Chamber to dismiss his request for temporary release. In a public redacted filing submitted on October 31, the prosecution defended the September 26 ruling by Pre-Trial Chamber I, which denied Duterte’s interim release under the Rome Statute. The prosecution argued that Duterte’s defense failed to identify any legal or factual errors in the initial decision to detain him. The chamber had previously emphasized that Duterte’s detention is essential to ensure his appearance at trial, prevent obstruction of justice, and halt any potential continuation of alleged crimes. The prosecution highlighted Duterte’s significant political influence and extensive network of loyal supporters, including his daughter, Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte, and his recent election as mayor of Davao City, as factors that could enable him to evade justice. They also dismissed Duterte’s health-related arguments for release, stating that his medical claims were insufficient and that detention posed no serious risk to his well-being. The OTP further justified the use of public information, such as media reports and NGO findings, to support their case, noting that such sources are routinely accepted in ICC proceedings. The prosecution concluded that the risks of Duterte fleeing or obstructing justice are not hypothetical but substantiated by his political connections and international reach.
ICC prosecutors urge Appeals Chamber to keep ex Philippine president Duterte detained
