THE HAGUE – Nicholas Kaufman, legal counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, claimed that his client is being “illegally detained” at The Hague Penitentiary Institution and should be allowed to return to the Philippines immediately.
“As far as I’m concerned, he’s being illegally detained here, and he should go back to the Philippines as soon as possible,” Kaufman told reporters.
His statement follows Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that efforts are underway to bring her father home before or after the May 2025 midterm elections.
Detention Controversy
Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea previously stated that Duterte was “kidnapped” by authorities before being brought to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs.
Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc assured that due process would be followed, stating, “There will be a full procedure that will unfold leading up to the confirmation of charges, allowing Mr. Duterte to address the warrant of arrest, the crimes alleged, and the court’s jurisdiction.”
Defense Team & Legal Strategy
Kaufman visited Duterte at the detention facility on Thursday, marking his third visit. He hinted that Duterte’s defense team would soon be announced, saying, “By the end of the week, we’ll have some names. I anticipate that there will be Filipinos involved as well.”
He also clarified that Duterte’s legal team does not require assistance from the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for the Defence (OPCD), emphasizing that the OPCD provides only logistical and administrative support, not substantive legal aid.
Sara Duterte Pushes for Father’s Return
Vice President Sara Duterte visited the facility before Kaufman’s arrival, expressing her determination to bring her father back to Davao.
“As a resident of Davao City, I want to demand that—because I’m voting for him, and based on surveys, he’s leading by a wide margin—I want my mayor working for the city,” she said.
The next ICC hearing for Duterte’s case is set for September 23, 2025. He attended his first hearing via video link, while Medialdea was present at the tribunal.
Meanwhile, Philippine authorities continue to assert the legality of Duterte’s arrest.