The Hague, Netherlands. Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to attend pre-trial hearings and set a confirmation of charges hearing for February 23, the court said on Monday.
Fitness to participate in proceedings
Duterte, 80, is being held in The Hague over murders committed during his war on drugs. His defence said he could not stand trial due to cognitive decline.
Judges said an independent medical experts’ report found Duterte would be able to understand and participate in his case. They said that to be deemed fit it is enough to have a broad understanding of the procedures, not to operate at the highest level.
“The Chamber is satisfied, in law, that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings,” the judges said.
Rarity of unfitness findings
International courts rarely find suspects wholly unfit for trial, even elderly ones. The ICC has never found a suspect unfit for trial despite several other defendants’ petitions.
Case background and charges
Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and was arrested and taken to The Hague last March.
ICC prosecutors say Duterte created, funded and armed death squads during his war on drugs when thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users were killed.
Prosecutors want to charge Duterte with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity involving over 75 victims. Under the ICC system, judges must confirm the charges after separate hearings before the case can move to trial.
Reported death toll
Police say 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations under Duterte’s presidency. Activists say the real toll was far higher, and the ICC prosecutor has said as many as 30,000 people may have died.
What do you think the February 23 confirmation of charges hearing could mean for the next steps in the case?
