ICC judges decline to release former Philippine President Duterte, citing flight risk

ICC judges decline to release former Philippine President Duterte, citing flight risk World Oct 10, 2025 7:54 PM EDT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Judges at the International Criminal Court on Friday rejected a request from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to be released from detention, finding he was likely to refuse to return for trial and could use his freedom to intimidate witnesses.

Prosecutors at the ICC accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity for the deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office, first as the mayor of a southern city and later as president.

READ MORE: International Criminal Court details crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine President Duterte

Duterte’s legal team asked a pre-trial panel of judges to release the octog