ICC Declines To Release Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte | Spotlight | N18G
The International Criminal Court rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release, ordering that the 80-year-old remain in custody as judges decide whether the case against him will proceed to trial. Duterte, who waived his right to attend the hearing, has been detained at The Hague since March after his arrest in Manila on charges linked to killings under his "war on drugs." His legal team argued humanitarian grounds for release, citing age and health concerns, but the ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the earlier denial. The ruling marks a significant setback for Duterte as the court continues assessing whether alleged extrajudicial killings meet the threshold for a full trial.