Pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have appointed three medical experts to assess the fitness of former president Rodrigo Duterte to stand trial.
In a Sept. 24 ruling made public on Friday, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I directed experts in forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, and geriatric and behavioral neurology to conduct a medical assessment on Duterte.
The panel of experts was tasked to determine “whether and, if so, at what level Mr. Duterte suffers from any medical condition which might have an effect on his ability to follow and take part in the ongoing pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearings.”
They were also instructed to assess whether any special measures or adjustments are needed to address Duterte’s medical conditions, and the assessment will focus on his capacity for “the meaningful exercise of his procedural and fair trial rights,” including understanding the charges, evidence, and conduct of the pre-trial proceedings.
“The Chamber instructs the Panel to only utilize the information it receives for the purpose of formulating its reports and orders it not to divulge any information without prior approval of the Chamber,” read the nine-page decision.
“Moreover, in order to maintain the impartiality of the Panel, the parties and participants shall refrain from any contact with the appointed experts,” it added.
The panel was given until Oct. 31 to submit its report, while the defense, prosecution, and victims’ counsel have until Nov. 5 to file their observations on the findings.
Duterte’s defense earlier requested an adjournment of the proceedings, claiming that he is suffering from cognitive decline that makes him unfit to stand trial. The prosecution and victims’ counsel opposed the motion.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I postponed the scheduled confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 pending the results of Duterte’s medical evaluation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said she prayed for her father’s good health and temporary release during her visit to the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan yesterday, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
“Yes, I just had two prayers earlier. Personally, for me, nothing. I just prayed for good health for former president Rodrigo Duterte to overcome his case at the detention unit at the International Criminal Court, and I also prayed that he would be given an interim release or at least total freedom from the case,” she said in a chance interview.
