Duterte’s Lead Counsel Nicholas Kaufman To Announce Members of ICC Legal Team Soon
NICHOLAS KAUFMAN – The lead counsel of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte vowed to defend the former Chief Executive until the end.
The unexpected arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has divided the supporters of the former President and Pres. Bongbong Marcos. The current Chief Executive is being blamed over the controversial turn of events last March 11.
Duterte was arrested by the authorities of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against the former President over his administration’s war on drugs.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte continuously reiterates that everything he did, he did it for the country. According to the former Chief Executive, he will be accountable for everything that happened during his term and he wants the police to be spared saying they only followed his orders.
Former Pres. Duterte is currently detained in the Hague Penitentiary Institution. He was detained at the hospital wing of the ICC detention facility for several days as he was monitored but has been released under a regular detention now.
The former President made his initial appearance before the ICC pre-trial chamber last March 15. The confirmation of the charges against him is set on September 23. Duterte’s legal team is set to be led by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.
Based on a report on GMA News, Nicholas Kaufman confirmed that the ICC legal team of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been finalized. He also expressed that the names of the lawyers will be announced soon.
“The core team is now fully completed… [The names] should be released in a public filing, yes, it should be today (Friday) or maybe Monday,” the British-Israeli lawyer said.
Based on the report, Kaufman also confirmed that Harry Roque will not be part of the ICC legal team of Duterte. Harry Roque previously claimed he has filed his application for asylum in the Netherlands and hoped to be part of the legal team of the former President. The British-Israeli Lawyer said they wish Roque all the best.
“I will fight for Mr. Duterte until the end,” lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said.