A Rappler fact check clarifies that Rodrigo Duterte's lawyer did not state he would be released from ICC custody on his March 28 birthday. The claim stems from a misleading YouTube video showing a clip from the pre-trial hearing. No evidence supports this in Nicholas Kaufman's statements.
On March 7, a video was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'NEWS UPDATE FILES' with the title: 'Good news! FPRRD makaka-laya na! Sa kanyang birthday! Ngayong March 28 na! Kumpirmado ni Atty Kaufman.' The video features a clip from the third day of Rodrigo Duterte's confirmation of charges hearing on February 26, where his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman spoke at length.
According to Rappler's fact check, nowhere in Kaufman's speech does he indicate that Duterte will be freed from ICC custody on March 28. There is no such mention in his other statements during the entire hearing, which occurred on February 23, 24, 26, and 27. Beyond showing clips, the video provides no evidence to back its claim. As of writing, the video has 7,095 views and 72 comments.
Duterte remains in ICC custody after a panel of five judges rejected his camp's latest appeal for temporary release. He awaits a decision on whether his crimes against humanity case will proceed to a full trial. The confirmation of charges hearing determines if there is sufficient evidence to believe he committed the charged crimes. Following the last day on February 27, the ICC pre-trial chamber has begun deliberations and will decide within 60 days.
This joins previous Rappler fact checks on false claims related to Duterte's ICC case, including assertions that he has already been freed or that the case was dismissed.
