Lawyers of Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte Ready for Any Condition from ICC over Interim Release
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The camp of the former President stressed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) that the Philippine government does not object their interim release plea.
The lawyers of former Pres. Duterte initially filed his application for an interim release to ICC in June. However, shortly after the filing, they asked the court to withhold from making a decision as they await some information and documents that will support the plea.
In August, the camp of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte renewed their appeal to the ICC for his interim release to an undisclosed country. The former Chief Executive is detained under the custody of the ICC since March.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is faced with three (3) counts of murder as “crimes against humanity” filed by the ICC prosecution team. However, his confirmation of charges hearing was postponed after his lead counsel, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, claimed that Duterte is “not fit to stand trial”.
According to Kaufman, his client is allegedly unable to remember places, events, and even members of his family. The British-Israeli Lawyer also asked the court to adjourn all legal proceedings indefinitely.
Recently, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte claimed that a “third country” agreed to host the interim release of her father. According to her, she sought the help of the Filipinos abroad as she allegedly cannot trust anyone in the Philippines. The Vice President did not disclose the country but claimed that it is not Japan nor Australia.
Malacañang reacted to the statement of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro said the Philippine government will respect whatever ruling the ICC has over the matter.
Recently, in their latest filing to the ICC, the camp of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stressed the stance of the Philippine government on the interim release plea. Based on a report on GMA News, Nicholas Kaufman claimed that the possible interim release of his client is “now contemplated without objection by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, which surrendered Mr. Duterte to the International Criminal Court”.
Based on the report, amid the pursuit for interim release of Duterte, his lawyer stated that they will accept any condition that the ICC will impose over the possible interim release. The British-Israeli Lawyer said it may include travel restrictions, residence in a third country, and monitoring measures.
While the Philippine government will accept any decision of the court, the ICC prosecutor opposed the interim release plea of the camp of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.