Duterte’s interim release from ICC eyed

National

THE legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte is taking steps to secure his interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he faces charges related to alleged crimes against humanity. a

Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, insisted that an “interim release is a right.”

In a report by Philippine Star, an interim release can only be tempered by three factors such as risk of flight, rish of interference of witnesses with the evidence and risk of continued crimes.

“None of those factors exist in the present situation,” Kaufman said in the report, quoting ABS-CBN.

Vice President Sara Duterte, the daughter of former presidente, has expressed her eagerness to file for the interim release before the ICC hearing scheduled for September.

Kaufman further noted that while domestic politics in the Philippines is a significant matter, it is entirely separate from the developments unfolding at The Hague.

“Mr. Duterte is entitled to release. We are addressing this, but have not yet determined when we will file the application,” Kaufman said.

Duterte’s defense counsel argues that his continued detention is unwarranted, given his voluntary engagement with the legal process. They maintain that keeping him in custody before a final verdict is reached would be unfair and unnecessary. Moreover, his age and health are expected to be cited as additional reasons to grant him temporary freedom while his case proceeds.(Kate Glydel Anne Alegado and Rena Cis Ynoy, CTU-TC Interns)