FACT CHECK: Quote cards on Duterte interim release denial cites fake ICC judge

Claim: A judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) named Aishau Spede Adeyemi expressed his dismay at the denial of the interim release bid of former president Rodrigo Duterte, as stated in quote cards circulating online.  

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The quote cards can be found in posts from Facebook user Sebastian Constante in various groups such as “Sara Duterte 2028,” “SOLID DUTERTE DIEHARD SUPPORTERS WORLDWIDE,” and “Duterte News.” 

The quote cards show statements supposedly from Adeyemi, described as an ICC judge, about the denial of the Duterte camp’s interim release bid.

Several social media users left comments thanking Adeyemi for expressing support for the former president.

These posts were made from December 13 to 15 and have a total of around 1,127 reactions, 194 comments, and 109 shares as of writing. 

The facts: The name of the judge stated in the quote card, Aishau Spede Adeyemi, is not found in the lists of ICC’s current judges, or even former judges. This makes both the identity of the judge and the accompanying quote fabricated. 

The photo used in the fake quote cards appears to be that of online streamer Darren Watkins Jr., also known as “IShowSpeed.” The fake name used in the posts seems to reference the internet personality. 

Duterte and the ICC: On November 28, the ICC appeals chamber unanimously denied the Duterte camp’s appeal for interim release. Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza read the decision. (WATCH: LIVESTREAM: ICC appeals hearing on Duterte’s interim release)

Duterte is facing three counts of crimes against humanity of murder, one count each per context, representing 49 incidents of killings, with 78 victims of the war on drugs and the mysterious Davao Death Squad.

The ICC has yet to issue a date for Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing, which was postponed as the former president’s fitness to stand trial is yet to be determined following the Duterte camp’s contention that he is unfit to do so. Starting December 12, the ICC has been on break; it will resume operations next year, on January 5, 2026. (READ: Duterte at the ICC: Key dates to remember)

Previous related fact-checks: Rappler has regularly published fact-checks pertaining to the ICC, especially regarding Duterte’s ongoing case there. 

The latest such fact-check was published on December 16, which is of another fabricated quote attributed to a misidentified ICC prosecutor. – Percival Bueser/Rappler.com

Percival Bueser is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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