ICC Judges Find 80-Year-Old Duterte Fit for Trial, Rejecting Defence Claims of Frail Health
In a significant development, judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity. The decision comes despite defence arguments that the 80-year-old leader is in frail health and unfit to participate in the legal proceedings.
The ICC Chamber cited an independent medical assessment by a panel of experts, including those specializing in geriatric neurology and psychiatry, which concluded that Duterte can "effectively exercise his procedural rights." This finding was based on Duterte's ability to comprehend the procedures and not necessarily operate at his full capacity.
While it is rare for international courts to declare suspects unfit for trial, especially elderly ones like Duterte, this ruling marks a significant departure from the ICC's previous decisions. The court has previously found defendants fit for trial despite petitions challenging their fitness.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his alleged involvement in the deaths of dozens of people during his "war on drugs." Prosecutors claim he created, funded, and armed death squads that killed thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users. Estimates of the death toll vary, with national police putting it over 6,000 and human rights groups suggesting it could be as high as 30,000.
Duterte's lead lawyer, Nick Kaufman, expressed disappointment at the court's decision, stating that his team was denied the opportunity to present its own medical evidence and challenge the findings of independent experts selected by the judges. The defence will now seek to appeal the ruling.
The ICC is set to proceed with a "confirmation of charges" hearing on February 23, where judges will determine whether the prosecution's allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial.
In a significant development, judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity. The decision comes despite defence arguments that the 80-year-old leader is in frail health and unfit to participate in the legal proceedings.
The ICC Chamber cited an independent medical assessment by a panel of experts, including those specializing in geriatric neurology and psychiatry, which concluded that Duterte can "effectively exercise his procedural rights." This finding was based on Duterte's ability to comprehend the procedures and not necessarily operate at his full capacity.
While it is rare for international courts to declare suspects unfit for trial, especially elderly ones like Duterte, this ruling marks a significant departure from the ICC's previous decisions. The court has previously found defendants fit for trial despite petitions challenging their fitness.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his alleged involvement in the deaths of dozens of people during his "war on drugs." Prosecutors claim he created, funded, and armed death squads that killed thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users. Estimates of the death toll vary, with national police putting it over 6,000 and human rights groups suggesting it could be as high as 30,000.
Duterte's lead lawyer, Nick Kaufman, expressed disappointment at the court's decision, stating that his team was denied the opportunity to present its own medical evidence and challenge the findings of independent experts selected by the judges. The defence will now seek to appeal the ruling.
The ICC is set to proceed with a "confirmation of charges" hearing on February 23, where judges will determine whether the prosecution's allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial.
what's next? r they gonna let him run 4 prez again? 
think its cool how icc is taking a stand and not caving to his defense team's demands 
also, 6k+ ppl killed during war on drugs sounds like a pretty big deal... why didnt phil govnt take action sooner? 
. At 80 years old, I think it's reasonable to consider his fitness for trial, especially with the charges he's facing 
. It's great that the ICC took a closer look at this and ruled in favor of proceeding with the trial 
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. I mean, shouldn't they get a fair shot at proving their client's fitness? It seems like the ICC prioritized getting this trial underway over due process 
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. Can we really expect someone who has allegedly orchestrated such a large-scale human rights disaster to stand trial and face consequences? 
The fact that it's going ahead despite his frail health is unsettling 
. Time will tell how this all plays out... 
. Still, it's kinda shady that they didn't let him present his own doc evidence. You'd think the prosecution would want a legit reason to believe he's fit for trial. On the other hand, the human rights groups have been saying he's responsible for way more deaths than 6k... seems like an understatement 
. Guess we'll see what happens in Feb at the "confirmation of charges" hearing 
and you're just gonna let them off scot-free because they claim they're fit for trial? it's not about being 'fit' or not, it's about accountability! 
. Still, I feel bad for the defence team, they really wanted to get in there and give their own medical expert take on things. Guess you can't always get what you want, I guess 
Can't wait to see how this all plays out, gonna be interesting!
what do you think about this decision? seems kinda convenient that he's gonna appeal it 
hoping the court will finally do some real justice to philippine people affected by his so-called "war on drugs" 
My grandma could probably do better in her sleep 
. But I guess they didn't want to hear any other opinions from his lawyers, so now they're gonna try to appeal it 
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. think its about time we stop making excuses and have him face justice 
. 80 yrs old or not, no one is above the law 
. need to see how his defence plays out now 
, an 80-year-old man still gotta face trial for all these crimes? 
to represent my thoughts:
What's going on with all these delays? And that defence lawyer Nick Kaufman sounds like a total party pooper, denying them their chance to present evidence... 
I gotta say, this news is super concerning! An 80-year-old dude trying to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity? That's some heavy stuff 
. It's like, I get that justice needs to be served, but can't we try to have a bit more empathy and understanding for someone who's already dealing with frail health issues? 
. The fact that the ICC found him "fit" despite his health issues seems a bit... rushed? 
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. Has anyone else been following this case? What are your thoughts on the ICC's decision? 
and i'm just wondering how much truth is to that. does anyone know what's really going down in the Philippines right now?