FEBRUARY 27, 2026 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a stern warning to lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman for allegedly disclosing the identities of victims and witnesses during ongoing proceedings related to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc of Pre-Trial Chamber I reminded Kaufman that the court’s redactions must be strictly observed to ensure the safety and privacy of all protected individuals. “Mr. Kaufman, please proceed and you must respect the chamber's decision regarding redactions, otherwise I will be obliged to interrupt you each time so as to protect victims and witnesses,” Judge Motoc stated.

The warning came after the court temporarily halted the livestream of the hearing on its third day, following the defense’s mention of details that had been intentionally redacted by the prosecution. This incident underscores the high tensions surrounding the ICC trial, which has already drawn international attention due to the prominence of the accused and the gravity of the allegations.

Legal experts note that such reminders are essential to balance the principles of fair trial and transparency with the need to protect vulnerable individuals. While public access to proceedings is important in maintaining accountability, courts have a responsibility to ensure that the pursuit of justice does not compromise the safety of witnesses.

This episode raises broader questions about the limits of public disclosure in sensitive legal proceedings. How can courts maintain transparency without inadvertently putting victims and witnesses at risk?

Question to ponder: In high-profile international trials, should the public’s right to know ever outweigh the protection of victims and witnesses? (Larawan mula sa: Facebook)