International Criminal Court judges have found former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 81, fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity linked to his “war on drugs”. His lawyers had argued that serious memory loss made a trial impossible. The trial is scheduled to open on November 30.
Judges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague ruled on Thursday, October 8, that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial, Al Jazeera reported, citing AFP, AP and Reuters.
The Ruling
Independent medical experts examined the 81-year-old and concluded he was mentally fit to understand evidence and discuss his defence with his lawyers, the court said.
“The chamber was satisfied that the accused is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings,” it said.
His legal team had tried to have the case thrown out on medical grounds, arguing that serious memory loss meant he could not absorb new information or reliably recall the past. Judges also denied a request for his release from custody.
The Charges
Duterte is accused of murder and attempted murder, for his alleged involvement in dozens of killings during the so-called war on drugs. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
He denies the charges, saying he only ordered police to act in self-defence.
Prosecutors say police and government hit squads carried out killings at his orders, motivated by the promise of money or by a wish to avoid becoming targets themselves.
How Many Died
Estimates of the death toll vary widely: from more than 6,000, reported by the national police, to as many as 30,000, claimed by human rights groups.
Timeline
- 2016–2022: Duterte serves as president, enjoying high approval ratings throughout
- March 2025: arrested in the Philippines and sent to the ICC in The Hague
- September 2026: appears in person at the court for the first time
- November 30: trial scheduled to open
Why It Matters
Duterte was the first Asian former leader to be arrested by the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the gravest crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The fitness ruling removes the medical objection his lawyers had raised against a trial.
Image: The International Criminal Court building in The Hague, 2019 (file photo). Photo: OSeveno / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
