ICC to deliver verdict on plea to release Philippines ex-President Duterte next week

Appeal was filed after court rejected initial interim-release request to ensure Duterte's appearance at trial

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday said that the verdict on former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's plea to be released will be delivered next week.

The appeal against the decision, which rejected his request for interim release last month, will be delivered in open court on Nov. 28, the court said.

The court previously denied the initial interim-release request after finding reasonable grounds to believe that the accused had committed a crime within the court’s jurisdiction, and to ensure his appearance at trial, prevent interference with the investigation or proceedings, and prevent him from continuing with the crime.

In September, Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, said that an undisclosed third country has agreed to host the former Philippine president if the ICC grants him interim release.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 in Manila under an ICC warrant and flown to The Hague the same day.

He is accused of crimes against humanity, being responsible for thousands of deaths during his so-called war on drugs between 2016 and 2022.

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