World · Singapore Bureau
Duterte appears before ICC judges after 18-month absence
The former Philippine president faced the International Criminal Court for proceedings focused on his fitness to stand trial. Arguments centred on his health and ability to continue participating in the case.
LSN Singapore ·
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before International Criminal Court judges in 18 months, with proceedings examining whether he remains capable of standing trial. The session heard arguments regarding his current health status and mental fitness to participate in the ongoing case against him. The ICC has been investigating alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte's brutal war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. His legal team has previously raised concerns about his health condition, with reports suggesting he suffers from various ailments that could affect his ability to defend himself in court. The judges' examination of these fitness-to-stand-trial issues represents a critical juncture in the case, which has drawn international scrutiny over accountability for the drug war's casualties. The decision on Duterte's fitness could determine whether proceedings continue or face significant delays.