By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Prosecutors have formally asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release.
In a 15-page filing dated June 23, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang requested that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I reject the request of Duterte’s lawyers for his release to a country that will be willing to take him in.
“The Prosecution’s position is that Mr. Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial, ensure that he does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or court proceedings, and prevent him from committing crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court,” the document read.
The prosecution also noted that Duterte’s family plans to bring him back to the Philippines.
“The Defence submits that Mr. Duterte will not continue to commit crimes if released. However, Mr. Duterte has reportedly previously stated that he planned to run for Mayor of Davao City again in 2025 and pledged to ‘double’ the killings the ‘moment I return.’ Mr Duterte has since won the Davao Mayoral election and his family has consistently stated their intention to bring him home to the Philippines,” the prosecution said.
It also noted that Duterte and his associates “have a history of interfering with investigations against him,” as well as the occasions where the former leader promised to shoot ICC officials who will arrest him.
Duterte is currently under ICC custody to face charges of crimes against humanity over his administration’s war on drugs.
