When former President Rodrigo Duterte needed a legal heavyweight to defend him against crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC), his camp turned to Nicholas Kaufman—a seasoned international lawyer with a history of handling high-profile cases.
But who exactly is Kaufman, and how does his past legal work shape the defense he is expected to mount for the controversial Philippine leader?
Kaufman, a British-Israeli barrister, has extensive experience in international law, having previously defended figures accused of war crimes and human rights violations. He has served as counsel for Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former Congolese vice president, and Aisha Gaddafi, the daughter of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. His most recent high-profile case involved Maxime Mokom Gawaka, a militia leader from the Central African Republic, though his representation there ended due to a conflict of interest.
Educated at the University of Cambridge, Kaufman is not just a trial lawyer but also a legal strategist specializing in litigation, crisis public relations, and reputation management—a skill set that could prove crucial in Duterte’s case.
Duterte’s decision to bring in an ICC-accredited lawyer signals a shift in strategy. While his legal team, which includes former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, has long argued against the court’s jurisdiction, Kaufman’s appointment suggests an effort to mount a stronger 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, may reinforce this strategy.
Duterte’s ICC case remains a highly charged issue, not just in the Philippines but internationally. His legal team continues to insist that the ICC has no authority over him, citing the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, ICC prosecutors argue that the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a signatory.
With Kaufman at the helm of Duterte’s defense, the legal battle is set to intensify. Whether his expertise will lead to a dismissal of charges—or a prolonged courtroom fight—remains to be seen.