Duterte Has Collapsed Twice in ICC Detention, Lawyer Reveals — Says He’s ‘Frail, Gray, and Suffering Memory Loss’

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has collapsed not once but twice while being held at the International Criminal Court’s detention facility in The Hague, his defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman revealed on Monday as the confirmation of charges hearing began.

Kaufman painted a grim picture of the 80-year-old former leader’s condition: severe short-term memory loss, neurological challenges, and significantly diminished physical capacity. ‘He is frail and has collapsed twice while in detention. His condition must be handled with respect and caution,’ the lawyer said.

While Duterte retains his long-term memory, his impaired short-term recollection is complicating his ability to provide consistent instructions to his legal team. Kaufman said a separate medical report has been filed to support arguments for interim release, after the court previously dismissed evidence of the former president’s health vulnerabilities.

‘He is considerably weaker, frailer, and grayer. We are not presenting him publicly just for demonstration,’ Kaufman stressed, pushing back against any suggestion that the defense is exaggerating Duterte’s condition for sympathy.

The ICC hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a full trial against Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly war on drugs. Whatever side you’re on, the image of a once-fiery president now frail and collapsing in detention is a sobering reality check.

Source: The Manila Times