Lawyers urge ICC to reject Duterte's release request

A human rights lawyers' group urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release, citing threats to witnesses and the integrity of his prosecution.

The Center for International Law (CenterLaw) stated that even a temporary release of Duterte could put victims, witnesses, and human rights defenders at significant risk.

CenterLaw argued that Duterte's supporters have continued to harass and vilify individuals involved in ICC proceedings, even while he is currently detained.

The Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network described Duterte's appeal for interim release as a 'profound moral test' for the ICC, emphasizing the potential impact on victims of his administration's war on drugs.

The campaign network's convenor Atty. Jojo Lacanilao stated that granting Duterte freedom pending trial would 'silence the voices of the dead, endanger the living, and reward impunity at the highest level'.

Lacanilao countered that Duterte still wields influence, citing his role as Davao City Mayor-elect and his family's political power, and noted that the ICC Prosecutor's Office itself has acknowledged an 'objective risk to witness safety'.