Duterte ICC Update: Lawyer Pushes New Fitness Check Before Trial
Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyer is asking the ICC for a fresh medical review before the former president’s crimes against humanity trial proceeds.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team is asking the International Criminal Court to order a fresh medical examination before his crimes against humanity case moves closer to trial.
According to GMA News Online, Duterte’s lawyer Peter Haynes filed a seven-page pleading dated May 25 asking ICC Trial Chamber III to re-determine whether the 81-year-old former president is fit to stand trial.
Haynes argued that an earlier medical assessment was limited to the pre-trial stage. He cited findings from the confirmation of charges hearings, including an expert’s view that Duterte had only a “partial understanding of the accusations” and that a redacted condition reduced, to some extent, his ability to stand trial.
The defense said the chamber has an ongoing obligation to reassess Duterte’s fitness every 120 days or when a party requests it. Haynes also argued that the issue is tied to fair trial rights, saying proceedings cannot be fair if an accused person cannot meaningfully exercise procedural rights because of health.
GMA reported that ICC Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said last week the court would order a re-examination of Duterte’s fitness in the case connected to his anti-drug campaign as Davao City mayor and later as president. Source: GMA News Online
