Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to face a key ICC hearing next month, where judges will assess charges of crimes against humanity linked to his drug war.
THE HAGUE: Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will face a hearing at the International Criminal Court next month.
Judges ruled on Monday that the 80-year-old was fit to take part, rejecting defence arguments about his health.
Duterte will face a “confirmation of charges” hearing starting February 23.
Judges will decide if the prosecution’s allegations are strong enough to proceed to a full trial.
“The Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights,” the court said.
It added he is “therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings.”
ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity.
They allege his involvement in at least 76 murders as part of his “war on drugs.”
The first count concerns 19 murders allegedly carried out while Duterte was mayor of Davao City between 2013 and 2016.
The second relates to 14 murders of “High Value Targets” in 2016 and 2017 during his presidency.
The third charge involves 43 murders during “clearance” operations of alleged drug users or pushers between 2016 and 2018.
In October, the court rejected a defence plea for Duterte’s early release.
It argued he posed a flight risk and could influence witnesses if freed.
Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 and flown to the Netherlands the same night.
He has been held at the ICC’s detention unit at Scheveningen Prison since his arrival.
He followed his initial hearing by video link, appearing dazed and frail and barely speaking.