Duterte seeks ICC release as undisclosed country offers safe haven

Metro Manila, Philippines - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally requested an interim release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC), with an undisclosed country expressing willingness to host him under strict conditions.

According to a redacted public version of a June 12 court filing, Duterte's lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, submitted an “Urgent Request for Interim Release” to ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, invoking Article 60(2) of the Rome Statute.

The defense revealed that a confidential state party to the Rome Statute has offered to receive Duterte on its territory and is prepared to implement any terms the Court deems necessary.

Kaufman argued that Duterte is not a flight risk and poses no danger to ongoing investigations or victims of the drug war or witnesses in the case.

"There is more than good reason to believe that Mr. Duterte would not embarrass his hosts, and the hospitality afforded him, by violating the terms of his release," the filing stated.

The defense team added that Duterte “would not commit further crimes” and would be residing outside the geographic scope of the alleged offenses.

Crucially, the defense team claimed that the prosecution has reportedly indicated it will not oppose Duterte’s interim release, provided that stringent conditions outlined in the confidential annexes to the filing are met. These include restrictions on communication, travel, and public engagement.

The 80-year-old Duterte has been held at the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen, The Hague since March 13, 2025 after being arrested upon arrival in Manila on March 11. He faces allegations stemming from his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which has drawn international condemnation and triggered a formal ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.

The defense emphasized that Duterte’s request is supported not only by legal precedent but also on humanitarian grounds. Citing his age and unspecified health issues, the filing notes that the proposed host country provides a “stable and suitable environment” aligned with international justice standards.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber will now await submissions from the Prosecution, legal representatives of victims, and possibly the unnamed state before ruling on the request.

If granted, Duterte would be the highest-profile ICC detainee to be released under such arrangements.