Ankara: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that it will deliver its verdict on the plea for the release of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte next week. The decision, stemming from his appeal against a prior rejection for interim release, is scheduled to be delivered in open court on November 28.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ICC had initially denied Duterte's request for interim release last month. The court's decision was based on reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte had committed crimes within its jurisdiction, as well as concerns about ensuring his presence at trial, preventing interference with the investigation or proceedings, and preventing any continuation of alleged crimes.

In a related development, Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, mentioned in September that an undisclosed third country had agreed to host the former president if the ICC grants his interim release.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 in Manila under an ICC warrant and was flown to The Hague the same day. He faces accusations of crimes against humanity, with charges linked to the thousands of deaths that occurred during his controversial war on drugs from 2016 to 2022.