ICC to decide by January if ex Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit for trial

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to decide by January whether former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is medically fit to stand trial, according to ICC assistant counsel Atty. Kristina Conti.

Speaking in an interview on Super Radyo DZBB on Sunday (December 21), Conti said a ruling on Rodrigo Duterte's capacity to face trial is likely early next year. "Most likely in January, it will be determined whether Duterte is fit to stand trial and able to face the case against him," she said.

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Her remarks came after a panel of medical experts who examined Duterte concluded that he is capable of fully engaging and participating in the ICC’s pre-trial proceedings, GMA News reported.

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Earlier, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I had set December 5 as the deadline for the submission of the medical assessment, following the defence's request for an indefinite adjournment in the proceedings.

Duterte's defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, argued before the court that the former president suffers from serious memory problems, claiming he can no longer recall events, places, timelines, or even close family members. Kaufman added that the 80-year-old lacks the cognitive capacity required to properly conduct his defence.

Conti, however, stressed that the ICC would not pursue an arrest warrant unless the case was ready to proceed to trial. “The prosecution has strong and solid evidence to push the case against Duterte. They won’t apply for a warrant of arrest if the case is not trial-ready.

The 80-year old Duterte is currently detained at The Hague in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly war on drugs he carried out during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines.

On November 28, the ICC Appeals Chamber denied Duterte’s appeal on the rejection of his request for interim release.

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.