Families of victims, human rights lawyers, and progressive organizations strongly opposed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for temporary release from International Criminal Court (ICC) detention in The Hague, The Netherlands. They said that this move threatens justice for the thousands killed under the “war on drugs” and strengthens the culture of zero accountability for crimes against humanity.

Victims and families of victims emphasized that the appeal is dangerous because Duterte’s camp could use it to intimidate those calling for justice.

They called on the ICC not to grant the appeal. They said that the Duterte family remains politically powerful in the Philippines, and in fact, Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte continues to trot around despite the impeachment case against her.