Kaufman to lead Duterte's ICC defense team

Updated Mon, March 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM Published Sat, March 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM

British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been appointed as the lead counsel for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a document formally engaging Kaufman as his defense counsel, as confirmed by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Medialdea visited Duterte at the Scheveningen Prison, reporting that the former president is in high spirits and has been able to rest.

Duterte is in the ICC's custody to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's war on drugs.

Kaufman has prior experience representing clients before the ICC and has worked as a prosecutor for international tribunals.

Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque are also part of Duterte's legal defense team.

Harry Roque clarified that Vice President Sara Duterte will not be part of the defense team due to constitutional prohibitions on the practice of profession.

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Rodrigo Duterte Sara Duterte Harry Roque International Criminal Court Drug War Crimes Against Humanity Salvador Medialdea Nicholas Kaufman

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