The Hague, Netherlands – A famous lawyer from Britain and Israel, Nicholas Kaufman, is very sure that he can give the “strongest defense” for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in the case he is facing at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
After visiting Duterte, Kaufman told reporters that he believes the former president will be proven innocent. He even thinks this could happen very early in the case.
“I’m very confident that I can give him the strongest defense,” Kaufman said. “I also believe he will be acquitted (proven not guilty) even at the earliest stage.”
Who Is Nicholas Kaufman?
Kaufman is now officially part of Duterte’s legal team. He said he was formally appointed just yesterday. The ICC still needs to confirm his appointment, but Kaufman believes this will happen soon.
Right now, Kaufman is the only lawyer officially announced as part of the defense team. He did not reveal if other lawyers will join him, but he said it will be decided together with Duterte and his advisors.
Will Duterte Be Coming Home?
When asked if he thinks Duterte will be able to go home to the Philippines, Kaufman said, “I certainly hope so.”
He also mentioned that there will be petitions (official requests) before the court hearing starts on September 23. However, he did not want to share his defense strategy at this time.
What Happened to Former Secretary Medialdea?
Something unexpected happened while Kaufman was at the Hague Penitentiary Institution. Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (also called “Bingbong”) was suddenly rushed to the hospital.
No one knows exactly what happened to Medialdea, and Kaufman did not give any details. He only said that it would be wrong to discuss Medialdea’s condition because it is a private medical matter.
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague later confirmed that Medialdea was getting medical treatment at a hospital.
How Is Duterte Doing?
Kaufman assured everyone that Duterte is doing well and is in good spirits.
“He is being taken care of properly,” Kaufman said.
He also promised that as long as he is in The Hague, he will visit Duterte every day if he is allowed.
