ICC judges find Duterte fit to stand trial and clear pretrial hearing for February

International Criminal Court judges ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial after medical assessments, and the court has rescheduled a pretrial hearing for Feb. 23; his defence announced it will seek an appeal.

Judges at the International Criminal Court ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial after a panel of medical experts assessed his condition. An earlier hearing had been postponed amid concerns raised by his legal team about his health. The panel included specialists in geriatric neurology and psychiatry and carried out cognitive, mental and physical examinations. The court has rescheduled the pretrial hearing for Feb. 23. Key facts: - The judges concluded Duterte is able to exercise his procedural rights and is fit to take part in pretrial proceedings. - A panel of medical experts carried out cognitive testing and mental and physical examinations before the decision. - The pretrial hearing is set for Feb. 23 in The Hague. - Duterte was arrested in March and faces charges of crimes against humanity related to alleged killings during his time as mayor and president. - The defence said it will seek to appeal, arguing it was not allowed to present its own medical evidence or question the experts selected by the court. Summary: The court's ruling affirms that, following medical assessment, judges consider Duterte fit to participate in pretrial proceedings, and the next scheduled step is the Feb. 23 pretrial hearing. The defence has indicated it will pursue an appeal while the case proceeds.