Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release and transfer to a third country while awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is legally supported under ICC rules, according to international law expert Arnedo Valera.
Citing humanitarian and medical grounds, Duterte’s defense pointed to precedents like those involving Jean-Pierre Bemba and Laurent Gbagbo, while affirming full cooperation with ICC terms.
Human rights groups warned, however, that such a move could endanger witnesses and undermine the credibility of the ICC’s process.
Duterte, 80, faces charges of crimes against humanity tied to his bloody war on drugs and was arrested upon arrival in Manila in March 2025.
The ICC prosecutor has not opposed the transfer, pending strict conditions, with a decision now pending before the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 17, 2025
