ICC says Philippine ex-President Duterte fit to be tried

The former leader, who appeared in person at the court for the first time in mid-September, faces charges over his "war on drugs," which killed thousands.(AFP) — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on charges of committing crimes against humanity during a crackdown on the drug trade, the International Criminal Court said Thursday.“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 scheduled to start 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, according to the court ruling.He could also “understand the evidence, and instruct counsel in the preparation and conduct of his defence,” they said.The former leader, who appeared in person at the court for the first time in mid-September, faces charges over his “war on drugs,” which killed thousands.Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and previously served as 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 crackdown from 2013 to 2018, when he served as mayor and president.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads