The International Criminal Court's five-judge Appeals Chamber ruled Wednesday that the tribunal has jurisdiction over former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The ruling dismisses a bid to throw out the trial regarding Duterte's alleged pivotal role in the murder of thousands of people and his crimes against humanity. In making the decision, the chamber also rejected his bid for release.
The court maintained its authority to try the former leader despite the Philippines formally withdrawing its membership from the ICC in 2018. The defense had argued that this exit meant the court no longer had jurisdiction over the case, but judges ruled otherwise.