Nicholas Kaufman, the defense lawyer for former President Rodrigo Duterte, has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reconsider Duterte's interim release. Kaufman cited recent reports of Duterte experiencing memory loss and balance issues as critical factors in his appeal.
In a submission made on May 8, Kaufman indicated that the medical updates over the last two months mitigate the risks Duterte poses to victims and witnesses. The former president faces three counts of murder as part of a broader investigation into his administration's drug war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths.
Medical Concerns Raised
Kaufman referenced evaluations from an unnamed occupational therapist and a clinician. The therapist reported that Duterte experiences falls without a clear pattern, while the clinician noted instances of forgetfulness, including confusion about current dates.
An individual whose short-term memory is impacted is not capable of remembering sufficient details for the purpose of instructing others to tamper with witnesses or to pervert the course of justice.
Nicholas Kaufman
Kaufman also filed an urgent request to withdraw from Duterte's defense team, which is undergoing restructuring. This decision aligns with Duterte's intention to appoint a new lead counsel.
Legal expert Kristina Conti, representing victims of Duterte’s drug war, emphasized the need for timely proceedings. She noted that while Duterte has the right to choose his counsel, changes should not delay the trial.