THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Sept. 11, 2025 —
Former Philippine President Duterte’s Defense Lawyer Cites Memory Loss in Plea for Indefinite ICC Adjournment
Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman argues Rodrigo Duterte can’t assist in his own defense due to severe memory impairment.
- Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team has asked for all legal proceedings against him to be suspended indefinitely.
- Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman claims Duterte is unable to recall crucial details necessary for his defense.
- The International Criminal Court postponed a hearing originally set for September 23.
- Duterte’s alleged cognitive issues prevent him from understanding or participating in his trial.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly unable to recall key events, locations, or even members of his own family, according to his defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. Kaufman made this assertion to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of a plea to halt all legal proceedings against Duterte indefinitely.
What is the primary reason for the ICC proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte?
Duterte faces proceedings at the ICC related to alleged crimes committed during his presidency, particularly concerning the war on drugs.
In a public redacted version of a “Defence Request for an Indefinite Adjournment” released by the ICC on September 11, Kaufman stated that Duterte lacks the necessary cognitive skills for a proper defense. “In fact, he is not even able to process the reasons for his detention,” Kaufman was quoted as saying.
The ICC confirmed it has postponed a hearing on the confirmation of charges against Duterte, initially scheduled for September 23. This decision followed the defense’s claim that the former president is “not fit to stand trial.”
Kaufman detailed the extent of Duterte’s alleged memory impairment. “With his impaired memory and concomitant inability to retain new information or to recall events, places, timing or even members of his close family and defence team, Mr Duterte is unable to fully understand the nature and implications of the proceedings conducted against him,” he argued.
The defense lawyer emphasized that this memory deficit significantly hinders Duterte’s ability to engage with the legal process. “His deficient memory also entails an inability to follow the litigation and to make informed decisions. Consequently, and crucially, Mr Duterte is unable to contribute to his own defence, rendering his participation in the proceedings totally ineffective,” Kaufman added.
The plea for adjournment highlights significant challenges in proceeding with any legal case against the former Philippine leader, particularly concerning his capacity to participate meaningfully in his defense.
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