A NEW lawyer has joined former President Rodrigo Duterte’s team to aid in his defense before the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

According to the ICC Registry, French lawyer Dov Jacobs has been appointed as associate counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte. 

An associate counsel supports the legal team by conducting research, drafting documents, analyzing evidence, and assisting in hearings. They help develop legal strategies and ensure the case complies with ICC procedures.

The appointment was confirmed in a document signed on April 7 by Marc Dubuisson, director of the Division of Judicial Services, on behalf of ICC registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

The ICC also noted that Jacobs had already signed the solemn undertakings required under Article 5 of the Code before his appointment.

Jacobs is a seasoned trial lawyer with 15 years of experience in international law, international criminal law, and human rights. 

He has worked on high-profile cases before the ICC, including those of Laurent Gbagbo and Mahamat Said, and was also part of the defense team in the Félicien Kabuga case at the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals.

He came from the 9BR— the same law firm that represented the Philippines at the ICC. 

Nicholas Kaufman leads former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team and, according to the ICC, is the one who requested Atty. Dov Jacobs to assist as associate counsel.

Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in at least 43 killings connected to the Davao Death Squad and police operations during his presidency.