The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s request to postpone the ruling on his bid for interim release.
The decision, made public on Wednesday, was issued by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, with Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc stating that the deferral was granted by majority. This temporary relief will remain in effect “until further action is undertaken by the defense on the matter, or until when the chamber will deem it appropriate.”
However, the chamber clarified that this move does not indicate any conclusion regarding Duterte’s appeal. It emphasized that the decision “shall not be interpreted as prejudging” any issue related to the case.
Duterte is currently facing an investigation before the ICC over allegations linked to crimes against humanity during his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
