The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has upheld the Pre-Trial Chamber’s ruling to keep former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in detention.
In a unanimous decision, the five-member Appeals Chamber rejected all arguments and grounds of appeal raised by Duterte’s defense team.
According to the ICC, the defense failed to demonstrate any errors in the Pre-Trial Chamber’s findings, which were supported by a panel of experts.
The panel also reviewed two medical reports on Duterte’s health submitted by his defense team but found no basis to alter the ruling.
Duterte has been detained at The Hague since March 12, 2025, facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial “war on drugs,” which allegedly spanned from his tenure as mayor of Davao City through his presidency.
The Appeals Chamber’s decision reinforces the ICC’s stance that the case must proceed, keeping Duterte in custody as investigations and proceedings continue.
This development marks a significant escalation in the international legal battle surrounding Duterte’s accountability for alleged human rights violations.
