The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity. ICC judges say he can understand the charges and effectively exercise his fair-trial rights. His legal team previously argued that he has cognitive deficiencies that would prevent him from taking part meaningfully.
Outlets report that the ruling comes from ICC Trial Chamber III and clears the way for the trial to proceed. Prosecutors allege Duterte’s involvement in killings connected to the “war on drugs” carried out during his time in office. The allegations include murder and attempted murder tied to the deaths of dozens of people.
Several reports also note that the court cites Duterte’s health status, including that his overall health appeared to have improved since his arrest. The trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 30, and Duterte denies the charges. Different outlets focus on the fitness decision itself, while others add details about the timing and the health assessment used to reach the ruling.
