Metro Manila, Philippines – British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has formally asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw himself as lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case before the tribunal.
In a filing dated May 8, Kaufman informed the ICC Trial Chamber III that Duterte decided to reorganize his defense team ahead of the trial.
“The Defence team visited Mr Duterte and documented both Mr Duterte’s release of Counsel from his representation and his desire to hire a replacement Counsel,” the filing stated.
Kaufman said the replacement counsel, whose name was redacted in the public version of the filing, had already confirmed readiness to immediately assume Duterte’s legal representation.
He also assured the court that Duterte’s legal representation would remain uninterrupted.
“I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr Duterte’s representation will remain assured through [REDACTED], who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defense team,” Kaufman said in the filing.
Under ICC rules, lawyers representing accused individuals before the tribunal cannot simply resign unilaterally and must first secure authorization from the chamber handling the case to ensure continuity of legal representation and avoid disruptions in proceedings.
Kaufman’s withdrawal request remains subject to court approval.
In a statement to NewsWatch Plus, Kaufman thanked Duterte and his supporters.
“It has been a privilege for me to represent the former President. I thank both him and the many thousands of supporters who have shown their appreciation for my efforts on his behalf,” Kaufman said.
“If my withdrawal is approved, I am convinced that I will be leaving Tatay Digong in safe hands. May God bless the former President, the Duterte family and the Filipino nation. Daghang Salamat!” he added.
Kaufman had represented Duterte since the former president was surrendered to ICC custody earlier this year.
Duterte’s case transitions into the trial phase after ICC judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against the former president in April. Trial proceedings could begin in the coming months depending on scheduling and pre-trial preparations. Separately, the ICC Trial Chamber III granted the request of associate counsel Dov Jacobs to withdraw from Duterte’s defense team.
In its decision dated May 8, the chamber said Jacobs also informed the court that Duterte intended to reorganize his defense team in anticipation of trial proceedings.
“The Request indicates that the Accused has expressed an interest in reorganising his Defence team in anticipation for the trial phase of this case,” the chamber said.
The chamber ruled that Jacobs’ withdrawal would not prejudice the proceedings because Duterte continued to be represented by lead counsel and the rest of the defense team.
“Having considered the present stage of the proceedings, and particularly 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 stated.
Duterte has been detained at an ICC facility in The Hague, Netherlands. A status conference in the case is scheduled for May 27.
