ICC Prosecutor Urges Tribunal to Deny Duterte's Request for Release

The Office of the Prosecutor in the International Criminal Court has asked the tribunal to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte's bid for interim release. Duterte's defense counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, earlier in June asked the ICC that the former leader be released to a country that has indicated a willingness to take him. The name of the country was redacted from the copy of the urgent request for interim release posted on the ICC's website. The request also said that the prosecution confirmed its non-opposition to the former president's interim release to the country, yet to be made public, 'on the understanding that the terms and conditions set out in Annex A to this filing would be met.' ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang signed the document. In their request, Duterte’s camp argued that he is not a flight risk. They also cited humanitarian considerations for the interim release. Duterte is currently under ICC custody at The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges over his administration’s war on drugs.

According to the source: GMA Network.