Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, sees “political manipulation” as the main challenge in the case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The only potential hurdles that I foresee is the political manipulation of the arguments presented during the litigation. One argument, frequently and robotically raised to object to interim release, is the supposed existence of a huge support network which may be exploited either to facilitate flight or intimidation. The former President enjoys huge popular support,” Kaufman said in an interview with The Newsmaker on NewsWatch Plus.
Kaufman said ICC proceedings ensure equal opportunity for all parties involved.
“There will be participation in these proceedings by victims – principally, persons who accuse the former President of being responsible for the murder of their family members. Even though the Defense vigorously disputes responsibility, the process at the ICC requires that the relatives of these people have the opportunity to express their views without fear,” he added.He also reminded the public that Duterte himself has called for respect for the judicial process.“The former President’s family have already called for the public to respect the judicial process. Correspondingly, we hope that the people making the accusations against the former President will understand that he too is entitled to certain rights of which the most important are the right to interim release, the right to return to his homeland and the presumption of innocence. At this point in time, the former President is simply a proud Filipino not guilty of anything,” Kaufman said.Duterte was “surrendered” to ICC custody following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for crimes against humanity for murder.The ICC probe covers Duterte’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad, which began during his time as Davao City mayor and continued into the early years of his presidency.
