British-Israeli Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman to lead Duterte’s ICC defense

DAVAO CITY —Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been named former president Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel in his defense against crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Kaufman, a British-Israeli barrister, has extensive experience in international law, having defended high-profile figures accused of war crimes and human rights violations. His notable clients include:

• Jean-Pierre Bemba, former Congolese vice president, convicted by the ICC for war crimes before his acquittal on appeal.
• Aisha Gaddafi, daughter of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who sought legal action against NATO for her family’s persecution.
• Maxime Mokom Gawaka, a Central African Republic militia leader, though Kaufman withdrew from this case due to a conflict of interest.

Educated at the University of Cambridge, Kaufman is a trial lawyer and a legal strategist specializing in litigation, crisis public relations, and reputation management. This skill set could prove crucial in Duterte’s case.

Duterte’s decision to enlist an ICC-accredited lawyer marks a significant shift in his legal strategy. While his legal team, which is comprised of former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, has long argued against the ICC’s jurisdiction, Kaufman’s appointment suggests a more aggressive legal counteroffensive.

Roque has already hinted that their next move will involve challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction before the 23 September hearing. Kaufman, known for aggressively contesting procedural matters, is expected to reinforce this legal strategy.

Duterte’s ICC case remains highly charged in the Philippines and internationally. His legal team maintains that the ICC has no authority over him, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, ICC prosecutors argue that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a signatory.