Kaufman says his consumer killed nobody. However Duterte mentioned earlier than that he did. 

There’s already a listing of cases the place the previous president himself admitted that he had killed or had ordered killings

MANILA, Philippines – Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s protection lawyer Nicholas Kaufman reiterated on Friday, February 27, in the course of the final day of the Worldwide Felony Court docket pre-trial listening to that his consumer didn’t kill any particular person, opposite to the prosecution and victims’ allegations that Duterte killed 1000’s within the identify of his battle on medication. 

Kaufman mentioned he had an opportunity to talk with Duterte in detention, who informed him this: “I’ve by no means murdered anybody, and so they discuss 1000’s.”

Nonetheless, this declare by Kaufman might be contradicted by Duterte’s personal phrases prior to now. There’s already a listing of cases the place the previous president himself admitted that he had killed or had ordered killings.

In 2015, months earlier than asserting his presidential bid, Duterte admitted to “perhaps” killing a person when he was simply 17 years outdated. In the identical yr, he even talked about that he allegedly killed round 1,700. (READ: Duterte: I killed 700? No, make that 1,700)

Kaufman, in his closing assertion on Friday, questioned as soon as extra the proof offered by the prosecution and the protection. 

He took a swipe on the prosecution’s proof exhibiting Duterte’s alleged hyperlink to killings. Kaufman mentioned the prosecution solely had one incident that confirmed that Duterte actually gave direct orders. 

Just like his opening assertion, Kaufman as soon as once more attacked the mainstream media, whom he had beforehand accused of highlighting salacious content material in opposition to his consumer. In actuality, Duterte was the one who was hostile towards journalists. Other than harassment and threats, newsrooms confronted shutdown orders underneath the Duterte administration, whereas some reporters have been both charged or arrested. 

Duterte’s lawyer additionally as soon as once more attacked the prosecution’s witnesses — who may embody Lascañas — as he did prior to now hearings. 

– Rappler.com