ICC denies Duterte’s request for interim release

The Australian government has confirmed it will not host former President Rodrigo Duterte if the International Criminal Court (ICC) grants his request for interim release.

Vice President Sara Duterte clarified during an interview in Davao City on Friday, June 27, that her father's legal team never reached out to the Australian government regarding an application for interim release and there is no such application pending in Australia.

Sara Duterte also stated that she was not arranging her father's interim release during a recent visit to Melbourne and denied any formal application ever being made to Australia.

Former President Duterte is currently under ICC custody in The Hague and faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs.

The Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC has requested that the Pre-Trial Chamber deny Duterte's interim release request, citing concerns over his influential network and continued denial of the court's authority.

Relatives of those killed during Duterte's drug war have urged the ICC to reject his request for interim release due to security concerns.