ICC says former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial

THE HAGUE – Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity committed during a crackdown on the drug trade, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Oct 8.

“The chamber was satisfied that the accused is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings,” the court said of the 81-year-old, whose trial is due to start on Nov 30.

The judges based their decision on the findings of an independent panel of experts and submissions from other interested parties and participants, the ruling said.

Duterte had the capacity to “understand the charges, understand the purpose and consequences of the proceedings, follow the course of the proceedings”, the experts said in findings cited in the ruling.

The former leader could also “understand the evidence and instruct counsel in the preparation and conduct of his defence”, they said.

He appeared in person at the court for the first time in mid-September, facing charges over his “war on drugs” that killed thousands.

Duterte, who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and before that was mayor of the southern city of Davao, is the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC.

The tribunal prosecutes individuals for the world’s worst crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders during his offensive between 2013 and 2018, during his time as mayor and president. AFP