The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), legal counsel representing victims of the government’s war on drugs, released a statement after the International Criminal Court (ICC) denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s plea for interim release.
In a Facebook post by NUPL assisting counsel Kristina Conti on Friday, November 28, the group published its full statement in response to the ICC decision.
“The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), counsel for victims of the ‘war on drugs,’ welcomes the decision of the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber denying Rodrigo Duterte’s plea for interim release on strong merit, factual and legal,” the lawyers’ group said.
They further noted: “The court noted that not only is there basis for his continued detention and that he is a flight risk; but also that the defense failed to sufficiently argue release on humanitarian grounds.”
According to NUPL, Duterte’s continued detention is vital for the victims of the drug war, ensuring a sense of safety and protection.
“By large, it is an assurance that he cannot simply intimidate persons, interfere with the evidence, or disrupt proceedings,” they said.
Under ICC rules, interim release is granted only when a detainee poses no risk of flight, danger to the investigation, or likelihood of repeating the alleged crimes.
With the Appeals Chamber’s final ruling, the NUPL said it can now focus on two key issues: the matter of jurisdiction and Duterte’s capacity to stand trial.
The group, along with the victims of the drug war, now awaits the new schedule the ICC will set for the confirmation of charges. The hearing was originally set for September 23 to 26 but was postponed after Duterte’s camp claimed he was not capable of appearing before the court.