Defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman is requesting access to surveillance footage at the International Criminal Court Detention Center. The move seeks to demonstrate former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's health issues. It precedes a status conference set for May 27.
MANILA, Philippines — Defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman filed observations on Duterte’s detention with ICC Trial Chamber III. He did so before requesting to withdraw as lead counsel last Friday. The filing responds to judges’ instructions for submissions ahead of the May 27 status conference.
Kaufman noted that Duterte, aged 81, remains under constant 24/7 surveillance. This measure addresses an increased fall risk tied to age and chronic physical conditions. The lawyer argued that video records would capture any incidents affecting his client.
“Given the continual video-surveillance to which Mr. Duterte is subject, there is good reason to believe that the frequency and nature of such incidents have either been captured on camera or observed and documented by guards on duty,” Kaufman stated. The request represents a potential final effort to support Duterte’s release from detention.
