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Category: World

  • North Korea Investigates Warship Launch Accident

    North Korea Investigates Warship Launch Accident

    North Korea has launched a comprehensive probe into an accident that occurred during the launch of a warship this week, state media KCNA reported on Friday.

    The incident, which took place on Wednesday, was attributed to a loss of balance during the vessel’s launch, causing sections of the warship’s bottom to be crushed. An internal inspection revealed no holes in the hull, but the starboard side was scratched, allowing seawater to enter the stern through a rescue channel.

    Authorities assessed the damage as “not serious” but ordered an investigation to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable. The report did not mention any casualties.

    Leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the 5,000-ton destroyer’s launch at the Chongjin shipyard in the northeast, condemned the incident as an “unforgivable criminal act.” Analysts suggest the public nature of the mishap may have compounded the embarrassment for the regime.

    South Korea’s military observed the ship lying on its side in the water, while satellite imagery analyzed by the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) showed the stern submerged after support structures slid into the harbor, leaving the bow on the slipway.

    CSIS noted that the Chongjin shipyard, primarily used for building cargo and fishing vessels, lacks experience in launching large warships. KCNA reported that refloating the vessel could take two to three days, with full repairs requiring around 10 days.

    The North Korean government framed the investigation as part of a broader crackdown on “negligence and irresponsibility.” Hong Kil Ho, manager of the Chongjin shipyard, was summoned for questioning as authorities began detaining and interrogating those involved.

  • 6 Dead after Plane Crashes in Hudson Valley

    6 Dead after Plane Crashes in Hudson Valley

    In a tragic incident, a neurosurgeon and his wife, who was also a surgeon, along with two of their children and their respective partners, lost their lives in a crash that occurred in the town of Copake, situated near Hudson, New York.

    A small twin-engine aircraft crashed into a muddy field near the town of Copake, New York, on Saturday, resulting in the fatalities of all six occupants—two surgeons, two of their children, and the children’s partners, according to a family member of the victims.

    The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B scheduled to depart for Columbia County Airport near Hudson, New York, was transporting the three couples en route to a 25th birthday celebration and a Passover Seder, as reported by a family member.

    Michael Groff, the pilot, was a neurosurgeon and an experienced aviator. His wife, Joy Saini, was a pelvic surgeon. Their daughter, Karenna Groff, was a medical student at New York University Langone and a former standout soccer player at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022.

  • Pope Francis Makes Surprise Public Appearance Amid Recovery from Pneumonia

    Pope Francis Makes Surprise Public Appearance Amid Recovery from Pneumonia

    VATICAN CITY, Holy See — Defying medical advice, Pope Francis delivered an unexpected message of resilience Sunday, appearing before crowds in St. Peter’s Square just two weeks after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for life-threatening pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, wheeled through the sunlit square while wearing nasal breathing tubes, greeted thousands of faithful following a Mass dedicated to the sick.

    “A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” the Argentine pope said in a voice described as fragile but stronger than during his last public appearance on March 23. His surprise presence marked his first major interaction since February 14, sparking emotional reactions from onlookers.

    Defying Doctors’ Orders
    Doctors had prescribed a strict two-month convalescence for Francis, advising no public engagements or crowd contact. Yet the Jesuit pope, who reportedly nearly died twice during his hospitalization, chose to bless attendees ahead of Easter celebrations.

    “I cried out of emotion,” said Italian physician Dora Moncada, who attended the event. “I didn’t think his health would permit this.” A Vatican source close to the pontiff’s inner circle told AFP, “He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen.”

    Health Struggles and Speculation
    The pope’s prolonged hospitalization—his most serious in 12 years as head of the Catholic Church—has fueled speculation about a potential resignation, mirroring his predecessor Benedict XVI’s 2013 decision. Francis, who had part of a lung removed decades ago, now requires physical therapy to regain full use of his voice, according to medical staff.

    Despite ongoing recovery efforts, the pontiff has resumed limited duties, reviewing documents and signing correspondence from his Vatican residence. He remains under 24/7 medical supervision and has restricted visitors to close aides.

    Global Prayers and Pleas for Peace
    In lieu of delivering his customary Angelus prayer aloud, the Vatican released a written message in which Francis called for support for healthcare workers and an end to global conflicts. He highlighted crises in Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Gaza, where he decried “unimaginable conditions” for civilians amid renewed Israeli military operations.

    “Let weapons fall silent and dialogue begin,” he urged, reiterating demands for Hamas to release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack.

    Easter Participation Uncertain
    While Sunday’s appearance signaled improving health, questions linger about Francis’ capacity to lead Holy Week ceremonies, including Easter Mass on March 31. A Vatican statement confirmed he received the sacrament privately ahead of his surprise appearance, which left British nurse Janet Muchengwa “in disbelief.”

    As the Church prepares for its most sacred season, the pope’s determination to connect with followers—despite mounting physical challenges—underscores his unwavering commitment to his pastoral role, even as whispers of succession grow louder.

  • Mass Layoffs Hit HHS: CDC, NIH, and FDA Face Deep Job Cuts

    Mass Layoffs Hit HHS: CDC, NIH, and FDA Face Deep Job Cuts

    Washington, D.C. – Thousands of federal employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were abruptly laid off this week as part of a sweeping workforce reduction, with cuts impacting critical agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

    The layoffs mark the first phase of a broader plan to eliminate roughly 10,000 jobs within HHS, shrinking the department’s workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. Key offices dedicated to aging populations, disabilities, HIV prevention, and minority health initiatives have also been shuttered.

    Employees arriving at work were required to present their badges, and those terminated were immediately escorted out. The cuts follow a broader federal downsizing effort that has already led to over 100,000 government job losses in recent months, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming weeks.

    Public Health Experts Warn of Dangerous Consequences

    Medical professionals and advocacy groups have sounded the alarm, arguing that the cuts will severely weaken the nation’s ability to respond to infectious diseases and other health threats.

    “We cannot effectively protect Americans from public health crises amid this level of disruption,” said Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

    Dr. Colleen Kelley, chair of the HIV Medicine Association, highlighted the elimination of the CDC’s HIV prevention division, which played a key role in treatment guidelines and resource allocation. “These reckless cuts will harm Americans rather than protect them,” she said.

    Terminated Workers Protest; Lawmaker’s Comments Draw Backlash

    Among those laid off was a former HHS employee who joined a small group of protesters outside the Capitol. In a recorded exchange, the worker confronted Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), stating, “I was fired without cause. People with disabilities are losing vital services. What are you doing to stop this?”

    Banks responded, “You probably deserved it,” later adding, “Because you seem like a clown.”

    The former employee, who asked not to be named, called the senator’s remarks “disgraceful,” adding, “Constituents rely on these programs. Leaders shouldn’t mock those fighting for them.”

    As the layoffs continue, critics warn that the loss of federal health services will have devastating effects on vulnerable populations. The administration has yet to comment on the ongoing cuts.

  • Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Plan to End TPS for Venezuelans

    Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Plan to End TPS for Venezuelans

    A U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants, ruling that the move is likely unlawful.

    In a nationwide injunction issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen blocked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s plan to terminate TPS, a designation that allows immigrants from crisis-stricken countries to remain in the United States. The court order ensures that protections remain in place while legal proceedings continue.

    Judge Chen, in a 78-page ruling, stated that the plaintiffs—led by the National TPS Alliance—demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in proving that Noem’s actions were “unauthorized by law, arbitrary and capricious, and motivated by unconstitutional animus.” He further warned that revoking TPS could cause “irreparable harm” to hundreds of thousands of individuals, disrupt families and livelihoods, and result in significant economic losses and public safety concerns across the United States.

    “At the same time, the government has failed to identify any real countervailing harm in continuing TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries,” Chen wrote.

    Legal Battle Over TPS for Venezuelans

    The Trump administration had argued that TPS protections for Venezuelans were no longer justified, citing improvements in Venezuela’s economy, public health, and crime rates. However, advocates and legal experts challenged this claim, emphasizing ongoing humanitarian concerns under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro.

    TPS for Venezuelans was first granted in 2021 under the Biden administration in response to what officials called a “severe humanitarian emergency.” The status was initially set for 18 months but was later extended until October 2026. According to court filings, approximately 600,000 Venezuelan immigrants have benefited from the designation.

    In February, Noem announced that the administration would strip legal status from 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants, with additional revocations set for September. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also planned to terminate the humanitarian parole program known as CHNV, which has provided temporary legal status to over 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

    Reactions and Next Steps

    Jose Palma, coordinator of the National TPS Alliance, hailed the court ruling as a victory for TPS holders. “We will continue this fight with unwavering resolve, not only to protect the future of 350,000 Venezuelans but to defend all TPS holders in this country,” Palma said in a statement.

    The lawsuit, filed in March, argues that Noem lacks the legal authority to revoke TPS and accuses the administration of racial bias in its immigration policies.

    The DHS has not yet responded to requests for comment. The case is expected to continue through the courts, with broader implications for immigration policy under the Trump administration.

  • Trump Escalates Economic Threat with New Tariffs on Russian Oil Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Efforts

    Trump Escalates Economic Threat with New Tariffs on Russian Oil Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Efforts

    In a bold move signaling a hardening stance toward Moscow, former President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sweeping secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on all Russian oil imports if negotiations to secure a Ukraine cease-fire collapse, according to an exclusive NBC News report. The announcement, made during a March 30 phone interview, underscores Trump’s intent to leverage economic pressure to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the protracted conflict, which has entered its third year with no resolution in sight.

    A Conditional Ultimatum
    Trump outlined that the tariffs—targeting nations purchasing Russian oil—would be enacted within a month if he determines Moscow is obstructing peace efforts or bears responsibility for failed negotiations. “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault, those buying Russian oil won’t do business in the U.S. without facing steep costs,” Trump stated, emphasizing the immediacy of the measure. The policy, akin to secondary sanctions, aims to isolate Russia’s energy sector by penalizing third-party buyers, a tactic previously used against Iran and Venezuela.

    Tensions with Putin and Zelenskyy
    The remarks follow heightened friction between Trump and Putin, particularly after the Russian leader dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, advocating for interim governance in Kyiv to facilitate new elections—a move critics argue would destabilize Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump, who has frequently criticized Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership, labeling him a “dictator” for extending martial law and delaying elections, reiterated calls for Ukraine to hold fresh polls. “This war is ridiculous, and it’s time for leadership that prioritizes peace,” Trump said, though he withheld explicit endorsement of Putin’s proposal.

    Diplomatic Maneuvers and Deadlines
    The threat arrives amid a flurry of diplomatic activity. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, following a surprise March 29 meeting with Trump in Florida, urged the U.S. to set an April 20 deadline for a cease-fire, aligning with Easter and Trump’s early tenure momentum. “Deadlines create urgency,” Stubb remarked, highlighting the symbolic and strategic timing. The two leaders reportedly discussed bolstering U.S.-Finnish ties, with Finland’s recent NATO membership adding weight to the dialogue.

    Global Economic Implications
    Analysts warn that the proposed tariffs could roil global energy markets, potentially spiking oil prices and straining U.S. relations with allies reliant on Russian exports, such as India and China. Secondary sanctions, while impactful, risk fracturing international coalitions against Russia. “This approach could backfire, pushing Moscow closer to Beijing and testing NATO unity,” cautioned energy strategist Maria Kovac. However, Trump allies argue the threat demonstrates resolve: “It’s about forcing Putin to the table,” said former advisor John Bolton.

    Putin’s Calculus and Trump’s Relationship
    Despite Trump’s assertion of a “very good relationship” with Putin, tensions are palpable. The Russian president has yet to respond publicly, but state media has dismissed the tariffs as “empty threats.” Trump, meanwhile, remains confident in his rapport: “Anger dissipates quickly if [Putin] does the right thing,” he noted, hinting at backchannel negotiations.

    Political Reactions and Future Steps
    The proposal has ignited debate in Washington, with Democrats accusing Trump of politicizing foreign policy, while some Republicans praise the aggressive posture. Ukrainian officials have remained cautiously silent, though prior Trump critiques of aid to Kyiv have stirred unease. As the April 20 deadline looms, the international community watches closely, aware that Trump’s tariff threat could redefine both the Ukraine conflict and U.S.-Russia economic relations.

    With the war’s toll mounting, Trump’s tariff gambit marks a high-stakes escalation, blending economic coercion with diplomatic brinkmanship. Whether this pressure catalyzes peace or deepens divisions remains uncertain, but the move undeniably shifts the geopolitical chessboard, testing alliances and adversaries alike in a bid to end Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades.

  • Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Kills Over 150 in Myanmar and Thailand; Rescue Efforts Hampered

    Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Kills Over 150 in Myanmar and Thailand; Rescue Efforts Hampered

    March 2025 — A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, unleashing widespread destruction across the country and neighboring Thailand, killing at least 154 people and crippling critical infrastructure. The quake, the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century, reduced buildings and bridges to rubble and sent tremors hundreds of miles away, including in Bangkok, where a high-rise collapse trapped dozens.

    Myanmar Bears the Brunt


    Myanmar reported at least 144 fatalities, with images from hard-hit cities like Mandalay revealing collapsed homes, bridges, and monasteries. The nation’s already fragile infrastructure, weakened by years of civil conflict and poverty, has severely hampered rescue operations. A 2021 military coup plunged Myanmar into economic and political chaos, with swathes of the country now controlled by militias. Communication blackouts and damaged roads, including a key highway to Mandalay near the epicenter, have left humanitarian teams struggling to reach survivors.

    “The situation is very complicated. Communication blackouts and road damage are making travel nearly impossible,” said Federica Franco, head of mission for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Myanmar, in an audio statement. She confirmed that MSF teams attempting to deploy emergency care were forced to turn back due to impassable routes and closed airports.

    Thailand’s Capital Rocked


    In Bangkok, the quake triggered panic as high-rises swayed and the partial collapse of an under-construction building killed at least nine people. Authorities are racing to rescue 110 individuals believed trapped beneath the rubble. The city’s transport networks ground to a halt, with the BTS Skytrain suspending service for safety checks, leaving thousands stranded during evening rush hour.

    “I was on the 33rd floor when everything started shaking violently. It felt endless,” said a Bangkok resident, recounting the terror as tremors rattled the city.

    Historic Disaster Amid Ongoing Crisis


    The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake as Myanmar’s most powerful since 1912, compounding a humanitarian crisis in a nation already ravaged by four years of civil war. Aid groups warn that unreliable information from conflict zones and the junta’s tight control over communications could obscure the true death toll and scale of devastation.

    As night fell Friday, rescue teams in both countries worked under floodlights to locate survivors, while international organizations called for urgent access to affected regions. With monsoons looming, fears of secondary disasters, including landslides, have added urgency to relief efforts.

    This is a developing story. Updates to follow.

    AP contributed to this report.

  • Canada Declares End of Era in U.S. Relations, Plans Major Trade & Security Overhaul Amid Trump Tariff Fallout

    Canada Declares End of Era in U.S. Relations, Plans Major Trade & Security Overhaul Amid Trump Tariff Fallout

    Ottawa, Canada – Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a historic shift in Canada’s relationship with the United States on Thursday, declaring that decades of tightly integrated economic and security cooperation are “over” and vowing a sweeping renegotiation of bilateral trade and defense agreements. The remarks, delivered during a press conference in Ottawa, signal a dramatic pivot in North American geopolitics as Canada grapples with escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.

    Speaking after urgent consultations with provincial premiers, Carney warned that Trump’s newly imposed 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles—a move ostensibly designed to bolster U.S. automakers—has forced Canada to reassess its economic strategy. “The old relationship, built on seamless supply chains and mutual security priorities, no longer serves Canada’s interests,” Carney stated. “We must now pursue reliable partnerships and rebuild critical industries to withstand U.S. hostility.”

    USMCA in Jeopardy?


    Carney’s declaration casts uncertainty over the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Trump-era trade deal ratified in 2020 as a successor to NAFTA. While components compliant with USMCA are temporarily exempt from Trump’s auto tariffs, Carney argued the pact fails to shield Canada from volatile U.S. trade tactics. “A broad renegotiation is inevitable,” he said, hinting at demands for stronger protections against unilateral tariffs.

    The tariffs, announced Wednesday, have already rattled markets: Shares in General Motors (GM) plunged 7.4%, while Ford fell 4%, reflecting investor fears of disrupted North American supply chains. Though Trump granted temporary exemptions for USMCA-aligned goods, analysts warn the levies could cost Canada’s auto sector billions annually. Canada exports nearly 90% of its vehicles to the U.S., with the auto industry contributing over $20 billion to its GDP.

    Retaliation and Diversification
    Carney vowed retaliatory measures targeting U.S. industries “where it hurts most,” emphasizing efforts to minimize domestic fallout. He also outlined plans to “reimagine” Canada’s economy by reducing reliance on the U.S., which accounts for 75% of Canadian exports. Key strategies include:

    • Accelerating trade diversification efforts with the EU, UK, and Indo-Pacific partners.
    • Revitalizing the auto sector through investments in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and access to global markets.
    • Strengthening domestic supply chains in critical minerals and green technology.

    “We cannot remain hostage to unpredictable U.S. policies,” Carney said, referencing Trump’s broader trade wars with China and the EU. “This is a wake-up call to build resilience.”

    Political Turbulence Ahead
    The Prime Minister’s bold stance comes amid a snap election campaign, with voters set to head to the polls on April 28, 2025. Carney framed the tariff crisis as a “national emergency,” positioning himself as a leader willing to confront U.S. aggression. Opposition leaders, however, criticized his approach as rash, warning that severing ties could jeopardize 2.3 million Canadian jobs tied to U.S. trade.

    Carney confirmed he will speak directly with Trump in coming days but downplayed hopes for a quick resolution. “These tariffs will backfire,” he asserted, citing studies showing U.S. consumers could face $85 billion in higher costs annually.

    Global Implications
    Canada’s recalibration mirrors growing global unease over U.S. protectionism. The EU and Japan have similarly threatened countermeasures, while China has urged multilateral cooperation to counter Trump’s policies. For Canada, the path forward hinges on balancing economic sovereignty with the reality of its deep cross-border ties. As Carney put it: “This isn’t about turning away from the U.S.—it’s about ensuring Canada can stand on its own.”

    — With additional reporting on USMCA impacts, market data, and global trade trends.

    SEO Keywords: Canada-US trade war, Trump auto tariffs 2025, USMCA renegotiation, Mark Carney trade policy, Canada economic diversification, Canada snap election 2025, retaliatory tariffs, North American supply chains, Canada-EU trade, electric vehicle manufacturing.

  • Trump’s Show of Support for Musk and Tesla Sparks Ethical Debate Amid Growing Backlash

    Trump’s Show of Support for Musk and Tesla Sparks Ethical Debate Amid Growing Backlash

    WASHINGTON – A fleet of Tesla vehicles transformed the White House South Lawn into an impromptu showroom last week as former President Donald Trump showcased his latest endorsement: a crimson Tesla Model S. “I want the same color,” Trump declared, admiring the car before climbing inside. The spectacle, however, was less about a presidential purchase than a calculated effort to shield Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, from intensifying criticism over Musk’s controversial role in Trump’s government overhaul.

    Musk, who chairs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has spearheaded the dismantling of federal agencies, resulting in tens of thousands of federal job cuts—some later reinstated by courts. This aggressive downsizing, paired with Musk’s polarizing public persona, has fueled nationwide protests. Tesla dealerships have faced arson, vandalism, and vehicles branded with red X’s, while some owners sport bumper stickers reading, “I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy!”

    Ethical Lines Blurred
    Trump’s overt support for Tesla—including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s public urging of Americans to buy Tesla stock—has ignited legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue the administration is improperly propping up a company led by a key political ally. Musk’s dual roles as a government official and CEO of firms like Tesla and SpaceX, which hold billions in federal contracts, further muddy the waters.

    “This is unprecedented,” said Richard Painter, former White House ethics counsel under George W. Bush. “You cannot use your official position to promote a private company. That’s a clear ethics violation.” Painter emphasized that while past administrations have advocated for industries, such as Biden’s 2021 push for electric vehicles (EVs), none have singled out a specific corporation as Trump has with Tesla.

    A Political Lightning Rod
    The administration’s defense of Musk escalated this week. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three individuals accused of firebombing Tesla properties, vowing to prosecute “domestic terrorism” targeting the company. Meanwhile, White House spokesman Kush Desai lambasted Democrats like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 vice presidential nominee, for reveling in Tesla’s stock slump, which has dropped over 40% this year.

    Trump’s allies counter that President Joe Biden also leveraged the White House to promote EVs, hosting Ford, GM, and Stellantis executives in 2021. Yet Biden’s event focused on industry-wide goals, excluding Tesla—a snub Musk reportedly resented before switching his party affiliation to Republican.

    Investor Jitters and Brand Crisis
    Despite Trump’s endorsement, analysts say the political theatrics may backfire. “Tesla’s transformation into a political symbol is toxic for investors,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives. While Tesla shares briefly rose 5% after Lutnick’s remarks, they closed lower for the ninth consecutive week. Ives warns that Trump’s staged support fails to address Tesla’s core challenges, including Musk’s divisive reputation and competition in the EV market.

    “There’s only one person who can fix it,” Ives stressed in an interview. “It’s not Trump. It’s not Lutnick. It’s Musk.” He argued that Musk must refocus on Tesla, stepping back from his role at DOGE to repair the company’s tarnished image. “He’s not a politician—he’s CEO of Tesla, as well as a lot of other ventures. And he needs to make sure that the brand damage doesn’t become permanent.”

    As debates over ethics and favoritism swirl, the saga underscores the risks of intertwining corporate and political interests. For Tesla, the road to recovery may require more than a presidential photo

  • Duterte Enlists International Law Expert to Lead Defense Team at ICC

    Duterte Enlists International Law Expert to Lead Defense Team at ICC

    Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has assembled a legal team, spearheaded by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, to defend him against charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The panel, coordinated by his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, includes former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque as supporting counsels.

    Nicholas Kaufman: Veteran ICC Defense Counsel
    Kaufman, a seasoned international lawyer with 34 years of experience, holds credentials from the University of Cambridge and London’s Inns of Court Law School. His expertise includes representing high-profile ICC defendants such as Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese ex-warlord whose 18-year sentence for crimes against humanity was overturned on appeal in 2018, and Maxime Mokom, a Central African Republic militia leader whose charges were dropped in 2023 due to insufficient evidence.

    Ralph Sarmiento, Dean of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod’s College of Law, emphasized Kaufman’s critical role: “Experience in international criminal litigation prevents procedural delays and ensures effective defense.” While retaining such counsel is costly, Sarmiento noted the ICC can assign accredited lawyers if a defendant cannot afford private representation.

    Salvador Medialdea: Loyal Legal Strategist
    Medialdea, a longtime ally and San Beda Law schoolmate of Duterte, has been a constant presence in the former president’s legal battles. He framed Duterte’s detention and transfer to The Hague as an “extrajudicial rendition,” though the ICC rejected his request to postpone Duterte’s initial hearing. Medialdea previously managed labor and immigration cases before serving as Duterte’s Executive Secretary and now leads a law firm representing the former leader.

    Harry Roque: Controversial Advocate
    Roque, a human rights lawyer turned Duterte spokesperson, brings a complex history to the team. Known for representing high-profile victims, including Jennifer Laude and Maguindanao Massacre families, he now faces legal troubles in the Philippines, including a qualified human trafficking charge. Despite potential extradition risks, Sarmiento clarified that Roque’s domestic legal issues would not bar his participation in ICC proceedings.

    Sara Duterte: Family Liaison Amid Political Turbulence
    Vice President Sara Duterte, acting as the family’s representative, has shuttled between The Hague and Manila amid her own political challenges. An impeachment trial looms in the Philippine Senate, linked to her rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former electoral ally. While constitutionally barred from private legal practice, she plans to remotely support her father’s defense after returning to the Philippines.

    The ICC requires only the lead counsel to be accredited, allowing flexibility for supporting lawyers. As the case unfolds, Duterte’s team faces the dual challenge of navigating international law while managing domestic political and legal complexities.


    #LAWYERS #DUTERTE #ICC