The International Criminal Court on Friday turned down a request for interim release by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, keeping the 80-year-old detained at The Hague as he awaits trial on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his deadly war on drugs.
Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza ruled that the defence had failed to propose sufficient safeguards to address risks of flight or witness interference.
“The conditions for release proposed were not sufficient to mitigate the risks,” the judge said during the appeal hearing.
She also dismissed arguments that Duterte’s age and fragile health warranted “humanitarian” parole.
Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, 2025, and transferred to the ICC detention centre in Scheveningen. He faces three counts of crimes against humanity covering 76 documented killings between 2013 and 2017 — first as mayor of Davao City and later as president.
Rights groups estimate the total death toll from his anti-drug campaign could exceed 20,000.
In Manila, families of victims who watched the live broadcast erupted in cheers when the decision was announced.
“We really prayed for him not to be granted an interim release,” said Dahlia Cuartero, whose son Jesus was killed in 2016. “This is the best birthday gift for him,” she told AFP.
The Philippine government said it “respects” the court’s ruling, while the ICC has yet to decide if Duterte is fit to stand trial.
