Nicholas Kaufman named Duterte’s legal counsel in ICC case

British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been appointed the legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced Wednesday.

In a notice, the ICC said Kaufman’s appointment was confirmed on March 17.

This was after Duterte nominated the British-Israeli lawyer as his “lead defense Counsel in the ICC proceedings” on March 14.

Kaufman earlier said he is confident about giving the “strongest defense” for Duterte in his case before the ICC.

Duterte was arrested and brought to The Hague last week to face charges in connection with the killings in his administration's war on drugs.

On Friday, Duterte faced the ICC pre-trial chamber via video link.

The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for Sept. 23, 2025. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News