Rodrigo Duterte’s newly appointed lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman intends to provide “a strong defense” against the former president’s crimes of humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after being appointed lead counsel the day before, the British-Israeli lawyer said Duterte “is in very good spirits” and is “looking forward to conducting his defense.”
As for Duterte’s health, Kaufman assured that “he’s being taken care of by the appropriate services.”
Vice President Sara Duterte announced last week that Kaufman will be appointed lead counsel, while former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque will be supporting lawyers.
However, Kaufman clarified that his appointment as senior counsel with ICC experience was the priority, and they are still in the early stages of composing the rest of the defense team. “It will take a week, and we’ll see where we move from there,” he said.
Kaufman, an ICC-accredited lawyer, also told reporters to expect “a strong defense” as he “certainly hope[s]” to bring Duterte home.
The British-Israeli barrister previously served as the legal counsel for leaders with charges of crimes against humanity like Duterte, including former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba and former Central African Republic minister Maxime Mokom. Bemba was convicted on two counts of crimes against humanity and three counts of war crimes after a four-year trial, but it was eventually overturned two years later. Mokom, meanwhile, was released by the ICC after the court’s prosecutor withdrew charges due to lack of evidence and witnesses.
Duterte first appeared before the ICC last Friday, where he was informed of the charges against him and his rights as a defendant. The confirmation of charges is scheduled for Sept. 23.
