THE LEAD defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte has criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for publicly appealing for witnesses in the “War on Drugs” investigation, calling the move a threat to the court’s neutrality.
In a statement posted via social media by Alvin & Tourism, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman argued that the ICC Prosecution’s public call for testimony should not have been disseminated on the Court’s official website.
Kaufman contended that such a public appeal violates the principle of “equality of arms,” suggesting it provides the prosecution with preferential treatment over the defense.
“The Court is meant to be a neutral body and the system of law applied is adversarial,” Kaufman said. “Equality of arms between the parties to the litigation should be ensured.”
Despite his objections to the method of the appeal, Kaufman urged the public to use the ICC’s provided channels to submit information that could clear the former President’s name. He emphasized that the prosecution is legally obligated to investigate both incriminating and exonerating evidence to “discover the truth.”
Kaufman expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would establish Duterte’s “absolute innocence” regarding allegations that he orchestrated an organized policy to murder criminals or instructed law enforcement to commit crimes.
The defense team noted that they expect to receive any information submitted to the ICC that tends to exonerate the former President, citing the Court’s rules on due process and honest disclosure.
