Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs. A panel of medical experts concluded that despite age-related slowing, Duterte can understand the proceedings and assist his defense.
The ICC's decision moves forward a high-profile trial concerning alleged state-sponsored violence, potentially holding a former head of state accountable for crimes against humanity and setting a precedent for international justice.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have determined that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity. The court announced on Thursday that a panel of medical experts concluded Duterte is capable of understanding the proceedings and effectively exercising his rights to a fair trial, despite some age-related physical and mental slowing.
Duterte, 81, is scheduled to face trial on November 30 for charges including murder and attempted murder related to his controversial war on drugs. His legal team had argued that he suffers from cognitive decline and is not well enough to stand trial. Prosecutors allege that Duterte bears criminal responsibility for the deaths of at least 76 people during his anti-narcotics campaign, which broadly ran from 2016 to 2022 and is said to have killed thousands of civilians.
Nicholas Kaufman, who previously represented Duterte, had stated in February that the charges were politically motivated. Trials at the ICC typically span several years before a judgment is reached, and a conviction could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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