Duterte too weak for trial? ICC postpones Sept. 23 hearing

National

AGE and confinement at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have worn down former president Rodrigo Duterte, his lawyer said.

With this, Duterte's lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman on Tuesday, September 9, urged the Philippine government to bring him back to face justice “with dignity.”

Kaufman confirmed that the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I (PTC I) postponed the September 23 hearing on the confirmation of charges. He explained that Duterte’s deteriorating health has made it difficult for him to absorb evidence and give proper instructions to his legal team.

According to Kaufman, the former president remains in good spirits, but his age and conditions in detention have clearly taken a toll. He noted that the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment was supported by findings from leading medical experts, including independent specialists.

The ICC’s pre-trial chamber announced the postponement on Sept. 8, with two judges voting in favor and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera dissenting. The chamber cited the defense’s Aug. 18 petition, which argued Duterte was “not fit to stand trial,” and said a new schedule would be issued “in due course.”

Victims’ groups criticized the delay. In a statement, Rise Up for Life and for Rights and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said they were dismayed and vowed to push for a quick resetting of the hearing and other available remedies.

Duterte has not been seen publicly since March, when he appeared before the pre-trial chamber to confirm his identity and set the hearing date.

The ICC has charged him with crimes against humanity of murder for allegedly overseeing the deadly war on drugs, which left thousands of mostly poor Filipinos dead.(MyTVCebu)