Duterte's legal team to seek interim release from ICC

Lawyers for victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign will oppose his request for interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares argued that Duterte's release would endanger victims and escalate attacks from his supporters, who have already been harassing witnesses.

He cited Article 58 of the Rome Statute, which mandates that a person awaiting trial must appear at proceedings and not obstruct or endanger the investigation.

Colmenares added that Duterte's release would allow him to evade ICC jurisdiction and contravene the Rome Statute's requirements.

He also cited Duterte's past criticisms of the ICC and lack of evidence to suggest he would now comply with court orders.

Duterte's lead legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, requested the ICC to allow Duterte's interim release to an undisclosed country, claiming he is not a flight risk and would not imperil proceedings if released.

Kaufman also argued that the charges against Duterte have not been confirmed and the case is not in a sufficiently advanced stage of disclosure.

ICC lawyer Kristina Conti emphasized that the victims' perspective is crucial in deciding on Duterte's interim release, stating that their legal teams must be heard.

The defense has indicated that ICC prosecutors have confirmed their non-opposition to the interim release, and an unnamed government has offered to host Duterte if the court approves.