Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, who represents former President Rodrigo Duterte, has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow him to withdraw from the defense team, as the tribunal confirmed a separate request by another counsel to step down amid plans to reorganize the defense ahead of trial.
In a filing dated May 8, British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman requested leave from the ICC to withdraw as legal counsel for Duterte in the crimes against humanity case linked to the government’s war on drugs.
Kaufman said his withdrawal was made at the request of lead counsel, who informed him that Duterte intends to reorganize his defense team in preparation for the trial phase.
He added that his departure would not affect the continuity of Duterte’s legal representation, which remains under the lead counsel and the existing defense team.
Kaufman also assured the court he would continue to comply with professional obligations, including confidentiality and record-keeping requirements under the ICC’s Code of Professional Conduct.
Separately, ICC Trial Chamber III granted the request of French associate counsel Dov Jacobs to withdraw from Duterte’s legal team.
Jacobs filed his request on May 7, citing Duterte’s decision to reorganize his defense as the case moves closer to trial. The chamber approved the request in a decision issued May 8.
In its ruling, the chamber said it found no prejudice or inconvenience in allowing Jacobs to step down, noting that lead counsel continues to represent the accused.
“The Chamber is of the view that no prejudice arises or inconvenience is caused by accepting Mr. Jacobs’ withdrawal,” the decision read.
The court reminded Jacobs of his continuing obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct, as well as confidentiality requirements under the Rome Statute and the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC over thousands of killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The case is moving toward trial, with the defense expected to restructure its legal team in the coming weeks.
