ICC recognizes Nicholas Kaufman as Duterte counsel

Metro Manila, Philippines – Veteran trial lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been officially recognized as legal counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"On 14 March 2025, the Registry received a signed letter from Mr. Duterte nominating Mr. Kaufman as his 'lead defence Counsel in the ICC proceedings,'" the ICC stated in a notification posted on its website.

It said the ICC Registry met with Duterte to finalize the appointment of Kaufman as counsel, confirming his role in representing Duterte in the ICC proceedings.

In a recent interview with reporters, Kaufman teased upcoming legal petitions but refrained from providing details about his strategy.

A British-Israeli lawyer, Kaufman has a history of defending high-profile individuals accused of crimes against humanity, including former Congo Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba and Maxime Mokom, a former minister from the Central African Republic.