The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has recommended the appointment of a panel of three medical experts to assess former President Rodrigo Duterte’s fitness to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity in his deadly war on drugs.

In a public redacted document released by the ICC on October 9, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang confirmed that the prosecution supports a multidisciplinary panel consisting of a forensic psychiatrist, a neuropsychologist, and a behavioral neurologist.

The experts would evaluate whether Duterte is physically and mentally capable of participating in the court proceedings, which relate to three counts of murder as crimes against humanity during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

“The Prosecution supports the appointment of a multidisciplinary panel of experts for the assessment of Mr Duterte’s fitness to stand trial,” the document said. It also noted that the three experts have confirmed their availability for September and October.

The prosecution opposed one potential expert suggested by Duterte’s defense, citing concerns over “potential bias.” Earlier, the ICC Registry had ruled that its medical officer was not authorized to assess Duterte’s fitness for trial.

Legal counsel for the victims have backed the prosecution’s recommendation, emphasizing that a panel of experts is necessary to determine whether Duterte suffers from any condition that may prevent him from participating in pre-trial proceedings.

Duterte remains detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, while the Pre-Trial Chamber considers the case, which has yet to schedule the confirmation of charges hearing.

Government records indicate over 6,000 deaths occurred during police operations in Duterte’s drug war, though human rights groups estimate the death toll could reach as high as 30,000 due to unreported cases.

Duterte has consistently denied the allegations against him.