Duterte's Defense Counsel Refutes Claims of Lavish Payment
Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, the lead defense counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has firmly denied allegations that he is being compensated with "bags and bags of money" for his legal services. The British-Israeli lawyer made this clarification during an interview outside the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, after visiting Duterte, who is set to celebrate his 81st birthday on March 28.
Humble Lifestyle Contradicts Payment Rumors
Kaufman emphasized his modest lifestyle as evidence against the claims, stating, "If I was being paid bags and bags of money, trust me, I wouldn't be going around on a bicycle. I would be going around in a Mercedes or a Bentley or something more appropriate." He further explained that he has not accepted substantial sums for his work, even when representing high-profile clients like former Congo Vice President Jean Pierre Bemba and former Central African Republic Minister Maxime Mokom at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Observers have noted Kaufman frequently cycling to the prison and wearing the same attire in recent days. He attributed this to ongoing travel disruptions caused by the conflict in Israel, which has left him stranded in The Hague. As a passenger originally bound for the United Arab Emirates, Kaufman is among those affected by flight cancellations to and from the Middle East due to continued air strikes.
Background and Implications
Kaufman described himself as a simple person, underscoring that his commitment to Duterte's defense is not driven by financial gain. This statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Duterte's legal battles at the ICC, where Kaufman's role has drawn public attention. The lawyer's remarks aim to dispel speculation about the funding and motivations behind the defense efforts, highlighting the personal and professional challenges he faces amid global conflicts.
