Overview
- Judges rejected a defense bid for an indefinite adjournment after a three‑expert panel examined Duterte and submitted findings on Dec. 5.
- The Feb. 23 hearing will assess whether evidence supports three crimes‑against‑humanity counts tied to at least 76 killings linked to Davao‑era and nationwide anti‑drug operations.
- Defense claims of short‑term memory impairment were dismissed, and lead lawyer Nick Kaufman says he will appeal the fitness ruling.
- Duterte remains in the ICC’s Scheveningen detention unit after an earlier release request was denied over flight‑risk and potential witness‑influence concerns.
- The court said it will issue directions to facilitate his participation, as the ICC contends with external pressure and leadership strains including U.S. sanctions and Karim Khan’s removal from this case.