Duterte legal team asks ICC for interim release anew

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's legal team has submitted a new plea for interim release to the International Criminal Court's Pre-Trial Chamber.

The Defence Notification, submitted on September 16, 2025, offers a further condition for his interim release.

Duterte's camp highlighted that the issue of his fitness to stand trial was raised before his initial appearance, and previous requests for status conferences on this matter were opposed by the Prosecution.

His lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, previously stated that Duterte is unable to recall events, places, timing, or even members of his close family, reiterating his client's "fitness" claim.

The ICC had postponed Duterte's scheduled hearing on the confirmation of charges, which was set for September 23, due to his camp's claim that he is not fit to stand trial.

The defense argues that the indefinite postponement of the hearing supports their request for provisional release, anticipating prolonged proceedings.