Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will face a crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court from November 30, the presiding judge said on Wednesday.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his so-called “war on drugs”.

The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world’s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors had sought the November 30 start and they expect to call between 60 and 70 witnesses during the trial.

“I am prepared to accede to the prosecution’s request,” said presiding judge Joanna Korner. She did, however, order a further assessment of Duterte’s fitness to stand trial before proceedings begin.

The defence, led by British barrister Peter Haynes after a reshuffle, had urged judges not to set a date for trial, arguing that Duterte’s health needed to be assessed.