Judges at the International Criminal Court have determined that former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte is mentally and physically capable of standing trial, following concerns about his health that had led to a previous hearing postponement. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to numerous killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his time as mayor and president.
Despite claims from Duterte’s legal team about his declining health, a panel of judges found him fit to participate in the upcoming court proceedings after medical evaluations. The new court date for the hearing is set for February 23.
Duterte’s lead attorney expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating they would seek to appeal the decision. On the other hand, various rights groups and victims’ families welcomed Duterte’s arrest earlier this year, with two organizations emphasizing the importance of accountability for all individuals, regardless of their position.
Prosecutors allege that Duterte authorized violent acts, including murders, against alleged criminals, particularly drug dealers and users. The ICC had initiated a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign back in 2018, covering his tenure as the mayor of Davao and his presidency.
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC following Duterte’s announcement during his presidency, the court maintained its jurisdiction over the case, emphasizing that countries cannot evade accountability by leaving the court. Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidency vary from official police reports of over 6,000 deaths to human rights groups’ claims of up to 30,000 casualties.