ICC judges find former Philippine President Duterte fit to stand trial

"Judges on the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights, the court said in a statement, citing an assessment by a panel of medical experts, including in geriatric neurology and psychiatry."

"The judges noted that for people to be deemed fit to take part in their cases, it is enough that they have a broad understanding of the procedures, not that they operate at their highest level. It is rare for international courts to find suspects, even elderly ones, wholly unfit for trial. The ICC has never found a suspect unfit for trial despite several other defendants' petitions."

"Duterte will now face a confirmation of charges hearing starting on February 23, in which judges will decide whether the prosecution's allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial. Duterte's lead lawyer, Nick Kaufman, said he was disappointed in the court's decision on Monday and would seek to appeal. The defence was denied the opportunity to present its own medical evidence and to question, in court, the contradictory findings of professionals selected by the judges, he said."

ICC judges ruled that Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on alleged crimes against humanity tied to killings during his drug war as mayor of Davao and as president from 2016 to 2022. Judges rejected defence claims that the 80-year-old was too frail to take part in proceedings. A panel of independent medical experts, including geriatric neurology and psychiatry specialists, assessed that he can effectively exercise his procedural rights. Judges said a broad understanding of procedures suffices rather than peak functioning. A confirmation of charges hearing begins on February 23 and the defence plans to appeal.

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