ICC grants limited postponement of Duterte confirmation of charges hearing

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted a limited postponement of the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte's defense team requested an indefinite adjournment, arguing that the former president is not fit to stand trial due to "cognitive impairment in multiple domains".

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber granted the limited postponement to allow sufficient time to adjudicate the request and related matters.

A different date for the hearing will be set once outstanding matters have been addressed.

Duterte is currently in ICC custody to face charges for crimes against humanity over his war on drugs, which has resulted in an estimated 6,200 drug suspects killed according to government records, while human rights organizations claim the number reaches up to 30,000.

Victims' families expressed dismay over the delay, calling it a "desperate, time-worn, and calculated ploy to paint himself as aggrieved."