Duterte's legal team asks ICC to pause release ruling

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal team has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber to suspend its decision on his request for interim release, citing delays in obtaining essential information.

The defense team, led by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, filed their request on July 14, arguing the Chamber should not rule until certain withheld materials are provided.

They claim their attempts to obtain these materials have been slow-walked and stymied over two months, involving over 20 emails since May 19.

The prosecution, however, opposes this, arguing the defense filed the application prematurely with incomplete information and should not now seek to delay adjudication.

Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang noted a reversal in the defense's stance, as they previously emphasized the urgency of the interim release but now ask the Chamber not to rule on it.

The prosecution suggested the defense could file a renewed application should new facts arise, as the details of the incomplete information remain redacted.

Both filings were submitted to ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which has not yet issued a ruling on either the suspension request or the original motion for interim release.

Duterte remains in ICC custody as pre-trial proceedings continue regarding alleged crimes linked to his administration's war on drugs.