ICC Hearing for Former Philippine President Duterte Postponed Amid Fitness Concerns

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – A crucial International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, facing charges of crimes against humanity, has been postponed. The hearing, originally slated to begin today, Tuesday, was delayed to allow judges more time to evaluate arguments from Duterte’s legal team asserting his unfitness to stand trial.

Duterte’s indictment by the ICC alleges his involvement in the killings of at least 76 individuals during his tenure as president and previously as mayor of Davao City. The redacted charges, made public yesterday, Monday, detail allegations that Duterte instructed and authorized “violent acts including murder” against suspected criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users.

The 15-page charge sheet, submitted by prosecutors on July 4, outlines three main counts: 19 victims from his time as Davao City mayor (2013-2016), 14 from targeted killings during his presidency (2016-2017), and 43 from “clearance operations” between 2016 and 2018.

Former President Duterte was arrested in March by Philippine authorities on an ICC warrant and is currently held at an ICC facility in the Netherlands. While he has consistently denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, he openly threatened drug suspects with death during his public statements.

The arrest and surrender of Duterte to the ICC have drawn criticism from his supporters, who dispute the court’s jurisdiction and have voiced objections against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a political rival.

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