Duterte lawyers ask ICC to delay decision on temporary release

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's lawyers have requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber to delay a decision on his bid for temporary release, citing ongoing efforts to obtain necessary documents and approvals.

The defense team led by lawyer Nicholas Kaufman claims their attempts to acquire critical information over two months have been slow-walked and stymied, leaving them unable to properly challenge certain prosecution claims.

Duterte's lawyers argue that the Pre-Trial Chamber should wait until they receive all required materials before making a crucial determination on interim release.

The prosecution has opposed the move, arguing that Duterte's defense chose to file the application prematurely with incomplete information and that any disadvantage is due to the timing chosen by the defense.

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hope for her father's interim release and the dismissal of his ICC case while in The Hague, emphasizing the need to take things one day at a time.