The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release, stating that the defense failed to prove the Pre-Trial Chamber I erred in dismissing the request. The Chamber noted Duterte remains a flight risk and his network of supporters could endanger witnesses. Duterte, facing charges of crimes against humanity for his “war on drugs,” was ordered to remain in detention during the trial. The Duterte family accepted the decision, vowing to continue supporting him. Duterte’s appeal followed the Pre-Trial Chamber’s rejection of his interim release request on October 10, citing risks of continued criminal activity and referencing his 2025 mayoral victory in Davao City and his 2024 pronouncement to “double the killings” if re-elected. Duterte waived his right to appear at the decision reading, represented instead by his chief legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufmann.
