ICC judges reject bid to release former Philippine President Duterte

Relatives of drug war victims holding placards that say "the fight continues" and "make Duterte accountable" in Filipino, react after watching a livestream of the International Criminal Court's rejection of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction over his alleged crimes against humanity charges, in Quezon City, Philippines, April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

AMSTERDAM, April 22 (Reuters) - Appeals ⁠judges ruled on Wednesday that the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction ⁠over former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, dismissing a bid to ‌throw out his trial over his alleged pivotal role in the murder of thousands of people.

Families of the victims who were watching the proceedings from the Philippines erupted in ​joy when the court verdict was read out. ⁠Duterte, who has been held ⁠in detention at the ICC in The Hague since his arrest in ⁠March ‌2025, was not in court.