The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that former President Rodrigo Duterte is medically fit to face trial, paving the way for pre-trial proceedings on crimes against humanity complaints linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
In a 25-page decision released Monday, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected Duterte’s request for indefinite adjournment, saying medical findings did not justify delaying the case.
The ruling was based on evaluations by three independent medical experts who found him capable of participating meaningfully in the proceedings.
“Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts composing the Panel, and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr. Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings, which are thereby resumed,” the chamber stated.
With the issue of medical fitness resolved, the ICC scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for February 23, a key step in determining whether the case will advance to trial.
The decision was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, together with Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera.
Duterte was arrested in March last year over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the deaths of thousands of mostly poor drug suspects during his anti-narcotics campaign.
The ICC had earlier denied his request for interim release, ruling that continued detention was warranted under Article 58(1) of the Rome Statute.