In a unanimous 3-0 decision, the judges of Pre-Trial Chamber 1 of the International Criminal Court (ICC) denied Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for interim release. They said he has a high potential to evade justice and interfere with witnesses given his family’s continuing power in the Philippines.
The court cited three risks if Duterte is temporarily released. First is the risk of escape, second is his history of intimidating victims and witnesses during drug war, and third is the risk that he might commit additional crimes if released.
The ICC placed considerable weight on the Duterte family’s political influence. The court referred to his daughter Sara Duterte, who boasted “breaking out” her father out of ICC custody, and another statement about an alleged “collusion” between the ICC and the Philippine government. These contradict the claims of Duterte’s lawyers that he would comply with the court’s conditions if released.
The victims of Duterte, their lawyers and supporters gladly welcomed the decision.
“The judges have clearly listened to all parties, and most especially the victims, in its decision-making,” Atty. Krissy Conti, ICC-accredited assistant to counsel representing Duterte’s drug war victims, said. She said the victims appreciate the court’s demonstration of sufficient trust and respect for them, which they are often denied under international law.
The Duterte Panagutin Network-Europe stated that the decision reinforces what the victims have long known: Duterte continues to have the ability, motive, and network to evade justice and obstruct judicial processes. It praised the court for recognizing Duterte as a “flight risk.”
“The Court’s decision rightly reflects the gravity of the charges against him and the need to ensure accountability for the thousands of victims of his so-called ‘war on drugs’,” it said.
