The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered a fresh medical assessment of former President Rodrigo Duterte to determine whether he is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity. During the first status conference held on Wednesday, ICC Trial Chamber III Judge Joanna Korner stated that experts will re-evaluate Duterte's condition after his legal team filed a motion requesting a new examination.
Defense Argues for Updated Assessment
The defense argued that the previous medical evaluation was conducted only for the confirmation of charges proceedings and not for the actual trial. Judge Korner noted that the court could immediately order a new assessment to obtain an updated report on the former president's health. As a result, the ICC has postponed setting an exact date for the start of the trial.
Importance of Knowing Duterte's True Condition
According to Judge Korner, it is crucial to determine Duterte's actual condition, especially considering his age and potential medical issues. The status conference also addressed various matters related to the case, including pretrial deadlines, submission of evidence, languages to be used during the trial, and disclosure obligations of both parties.
Proposed Trial Dates
The court indicated that the ICC Prosecution wants the trial to begin on November 30, while the legal representative of the victims prefers a start date in September. Meanwhile, the ICC Registry proposed that the trial commence in January 2027 due to issues concerning interpretation and translation of languages.
