URGENT UPDATE: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte could be released from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as early as today, October 27, 2023. Appeals judges are set to rule on a critical request that could allow Duterte to leave custody while he faces charges of crimes against humanity.
Duterte’s legal team is appealing a ruling made earlier this month that kept him detained due to concerns he may evade trial or intimidate witnesses. Prosecutors allege that during his presidency and tenure as mayor of Davao, Duterte orchestrated a brutal anti-drug campaign resulting in the deaths of thousands. Estimates of the death toll vary dramatically, with official police figures exceeding 6,000 while human rights organizations claim the number could be as high as 30,000.
According to court documents, Duterte allegedly directed violent actions, including murder, against individuals labeled as criminals. The ICC’s ongoing investigation into these allegations began in February 2018, shortly before Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court, a move criticized by human rights advocates as an attempt to evade accountability.
Authorities report that Duterte’s health has significantly declined, claiming he is “infirm and debilitated,” which his lawyers argue makes continued detention “cruel.” A medical assessment has confirmed a decline in his “cognitive faculties,” raising questions about his ability to assist in his own defense.
If the appeals judges grant the request for release, Duterte will not return to the Philippines but will instead be transferred to the custody of another ICC member state while legal proceedings continue. This decision follows a series of legal challenges from Duterte’s team, including a recent unsuccessful appeal regarding the court’s jurisdiction over his case.
The implications of this ruling are profound, as it could set a precedent for how the ICC handles high-profile cases involving former leaders. The judges previously reaffirmed that nations cannot withdraw from the Rome Statute to avoid justice for ongoing investigations.
As this situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the ICC’s decisions and their consequences for both Duterte and the ongoing fight for human rights in the Philippines. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent legal battle as the ruling unfolds today.
