The Hague, Sep 8 (AP) The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced a delay in the pretrial hearing for the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, citing concerns regarding his health.
Legal representatives for the 80-year-old requested an indefinite postponement in August, asserting that Duterte is "not fit to stand trial." Prosecutors at the ICC have charged Duterte with crimes against humanity related to the lethal anti-drugs operations he led while in power.
The specifics of Duterte's health issues remain undisclosed, and the case documents are heavily redacted.
A panel of pretrial judges has agreed to a "limited postponement" to allow time for the court to assess whether Duterte is capable of following and participating in the proceedings.
Duterte's arrest in March was applauded by human rights organizations and relatives of victims. The court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, described it as "a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction."
However, Duterte's supporters criticized the actions of current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a political adversary, for apprehending and surrendering Duterte to a court they contend lacks jurisdiction.
The ICC's investigation involves mass killings in Duterte's anti-drug operations during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president. The estimated death toll during Duterte's presidency ranges from over 6,000, as reported by national police, to as many as 30,000, according to human rights groups.
The Duterte administration initially attempted to halt the ICC's investigation in late 2021, arguing that Philippine authorities were already examining the allegations, thereby negating the ICC's jurisdiction as a court of last resort.
However, ICC appeals judges ruled in 2023 that the investigation could proceed, dismissing the Duterte administration’s challenges. Based in The Hague, the ICC intervenes in situations where national judicial systems are unwilling or unable to prosecute individuals for the gravest offenses, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. (AP) GSP
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