There’s already an inventory of situations 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, over the past day of the Worldwide Legal Court docket pre-trial listening to that his shopper didn’t kill any particular person, opposite to the prosecution and victims’ allegations that Duterte killed 1000’s within the title of his battle on medication.
Kaufman stated he had an opportunity to talk with Duterte in detention, who instructed him this: “I’ve by no means murdered anybody, and so they speak about 1000’s.”
Nonetheless, this declare by Kaufman could be contradicted by Duterte’s personal phrases previously. There’s already an inventory of situations the place the previous president himself admitted that he had killed or had ordered killings.
In 2015, months earlier than saying his presidential bid, Duterte admitted to “perhaps” killing a person when he was simply 17 years outdated. In the identical 12 months, 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 introduced by the prosecution and the protection.
He took a swipe on the prosecution’s proof displaying Duterte’s alleged hyperlink to killings. Kaufman stated 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 shopper. 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 would possibly embrace Lascañas — as he did previously hearings.
– Rappler.com
