ICC Finds Duterte Fit to Stand Trial

The International Criminal Court has ruled that Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial on crimes-against-humanity charges, clearing the way for proceedings scheduled to begin November 30, 2026. The court said the former Philippine president can exercise his fair-trial rights and participate in the case. The decision followed an assessment by an independent panel of experts. According to the court’s account of their findings, Duterte can understand the charges and the purpose and consequences of the proceedings, follow what happens in court, assess evidence and work with his lawyers to prepare his defense. The ruling addressed whether Duterte is capable of participating in a trial, not whether the allegations against him are true. Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of crimes against humanity. They allege he was involved in at least 76 murders during a crackdown on illegal drugs between 2013 and 2018, when he was mayor of Davao and later president. Duterte denies the charges. Duterte’s lawyers argued that significant memory impairment left him unable to retain recent information, according to the chamber’s account of their submission.