Former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares dismissed the possibility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) granting detained former President Rodrigo Duterte interim release, citing his status as a flight risk and the gravity of the charges against him.
“The chances of the ICC granting former Pres. Duterte’s application for interim release is very dim, considering that he is a flight risk because the charges against him are serious and the evidence is strong,” Colmenares said in a statement on Thursday, April 3.
Lawyers for Duterte are preparing a request for his interim release, but they have not yet determined when to submit it to the ICC, as stated by his lead attorney, Nicholas Kaufman.
Colmenares pointed out that Duterte, being “powerful and rich with more than enough resources to fund an escape,” could evade accountability if released. He cited Duterte’s recent trip to Hong Kong, suggesting the former leader might seek refuge in China, which could place him beyond the ICC’s jurisdiction.
“In fact, he could easily travel, as shown by his recent trip to Hong Kong, where he may seek haven in China, which will practically make him beyond the reach of the ICC,” Colmenares said.
The human rights lawyer also warned that Duterte’s release could endanger witnesses and victims’ families. While the ICC is very concerned about the rights of the accused, Colmenares said the court is also as concerned with the safety of the victims, witnesses, and their families.
Duterte is currently detained in the ICC as he faces accusations of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the deadly drug war that claimed thousands of lives during his presidency. Colmenares emphasized that the severity of the charges makes interim release improbable.
“The charges against him are one of the most heinous crimes against humanity for the killing of thousands, and it is almost impossible for the ICC to grant his interim release,” he said. (TCSP)
