Former president Rodrigo Duterte will undergo another medical assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial at the International Criminal Court. The ICC Trial Chamber III approved the defense request for the examination under Rule 135. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner ordered the new review during a status conference.
The ICC on Friday released the redacted version of the defense filing made by lead counsel Peter Haynes on May 25. Haynes noted that the earlier examination covered only the pre-trial stage and more than six months have passed since then.
Judge Korner stated during the Wednesday conference that a separate finding on fitness is required for the trial phase. The chamber granted the request and directed experts to conduct the assessment.
Rule 135 allows the Trial Chamber to order medical examinations. If the accused is found unfit, the trial must be adjourned with reviews every 120 days.
