Ex-pres healthy for trial— ICC

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity over his administration’s war on drugs, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said Thursday.

“The chamber was satisfied that the accused can exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings effectively,” the court said of the 81-year-old, whose trial is scheduled to begin on 30 November.

The judges based their decision on findings by an independent panel of experts and submissions from other interested parties and participants, according to the ruling.

The experts said Duterte had the capacity to “understand the charges, understand the purpose and consequences of the proceedings, follow the course of the proceedings,” as quoted in the court ruling.

He can also “understand the evidence, and instruct counsel in the preparation and conduct of his defense,” they said.

The former leader appeared in person at the court for the first time in mid-September to face charges over his “war on drugs” that killed thousands.