MANILA – Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte will continue to be held at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague after a trial chamber rejected his request for interim release.
The decision was handed down by ICC Trial Chamber III on Friday, following a petition from Duterte’s defense team that raised concerns about his age and health.
The court, however, said medical evaluations conducted by three ICC-appointed experts did not support claims that his condition warranted release.
Judges also stressed that Duterte’s stance in rejecting ICC authority raises concerns about his willingness to follow any conditions that could be imposed if he were released.
They further noted his access to significant financial and personal networks, including supporters in the Philippines, which could enable him to avoid trial proceedings.
Because of these factors, the chamber said there is a substantial risk that he could flee or obstruct justice.
The court added that neither his health nor his cognitive condition was strong enough to outweigh these concerns.
Earlier, Duterte’s legal counsel argued that he has been suffering from frequent falls and memory issues, which they said limit his ability to influence witnesses or interfere with the case.
ia/xf
