Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled today that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial, the Associated Press reported. The hearing was previously postponed due to concerns about the 80-year-old defendant's health, BTA reports.
Duterte is on trial on charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in dozens of killings as part of his so-called war on drugs during his administration – first as mayor of a southern city and later as president.
Lawyers for the 80-year-old Duterte have argued that his health is deteriorating, which is further compounded by his detention in court.
Duterte was arrested in March and was due to appear before the court in The Hague in September. The hearing was postponed to give the court time to determine "whether Duterte is fit to attend and participate" in the trial. in court proceedings.
Following an assessment by a panel of medical experts, the judges concluded that Duterte "is capable of effectively exercising his procedural rights and is therefore fit to participate in the preliminary court proceedings."
According to court documents, Duterte has undergone cognitive tests, as well as mental and physical examinations.
Human rights groups and victims' families welcomed Duterte's arrest in March. Two organizations supporting the families of suspects killed during Duterte's crackdown called the court's ruling a "categorical victory for justice and accountability."
In a joint statement, CENTRO and the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women in Asia-Pacific (CATW-AP) said: "The ICC's ruling confirms a simple but powerful truth: no one, not even a former head of state, is above the law."
According to a document filed last month, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court allege that Duterte directed and authorized "violent acts, including killings, against alleged criminals, including suspected drug dealers and users."