ICC denies Duterte's request for release

TT

Published 20.35

 

Relatives of victims of the so-called "war on drugs" that claimed thousands of lives under the leadership of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: Aaron Favila/AP/TT

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, accused of crimes against humanity, remains in custody at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Duterte had requested to be released citing health reasons. But the request was rejected on Friday.

The 80-year-old is accused of crimes against humanity. The trial concerns ordered killings in connection with his so-called “war on drugs” from 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao City, until 2019, when he had been president for three years.

Mostly poor men were targeted, even without evidence of drug links.

The Philippine National Police has said that more than 6,000 have been killed, while human rights groups estimate that the number is closer to 30,000.