MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team submitted an appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, seeking his “immediate and unconditional release” and challenging the court’s jurisdiction over him.
The appeal argues that the ICC lacks authority over Duterte because the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC and outlines its jurisdiction and functions.
The ICC began investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s war on drugs in 2021. An arrest warrant for Duterte was issued earlier this year in connection with the investigation.
Duterte’s lawyers assert that the country’s withdrawal from the treaty invalidates the ICC’s jurisdiction. The ICC has not responded to the appeal.