Nicholas Kaufman leads Duterte's ICC defense; Roque removed over trafficking

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team for his case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) will no longer include Salvador Medialdea and Harry Roque, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.

Nicholas Kaufman will lead the legal team with limited slots available for lawyers experienced in ICC cases; this decision comes as Press Secretary Claire Castro advises Roque to defend himself first before representing others.

Roque announced plans to seek asylum in the Netherlands due to a qualified human trafficking case against him, leading to his removal from the defense team to avoid complications.

Medialdea is set to withdraw from the counsel once the team is finalized due to limited slots for lawyers and was recently seen leaving the Hague Penitentiary Institution on an ambulance with medical assistance.

Kaufman expressed confidence in Duterte's strong defense and rights violations during arrest as key arguments.

The former president repeatedly told Sara to return to the Philippines, emphasizing her role in assisting him with the creation of the legal team.

Roque was put on immigration lookout after being involved in a qualified human trafficking case against Cassandra Li Ong and other suspects.