MANILA — The lead counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has alleged that his client was “completely denied all his rights” during his March 11 arrest in the country.
British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s detention raised serious legal concerns. He did not elaborate on the specific violations but suggested that the issue could be brought up in future proceedings.
Despite this, Kaufman expressed confidence that Duterte would ultimately be acquitted of the crimes against humanity charges he faces at the ICC.
“I’m very confident of the strongest defense possible, and I’m very confident that he will be acquitted, indeed, even at the earliest stage possible,” Kaufman said.