ICC grants Kaufman's request to withdraw as Duterte's counsel
At A Glance
- The ICC granted Nicholas Kaufman's request to withdraw as counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
- The court said Duterte himself wanted to replace Kaufman with new legal representation.
- The ICC said the incoming lawyer is prepared to immediately assume representation ahead of the May 27 status conference.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman’s request to withdraw as counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case before the tribunal in The Hague.
In a decision dated May 11, Trial Chamber III said it approved Kaufman’s request after determining that the change in legal counsel would not prejudice proceedings in the case.
“The Chamber is of the view that no prejudice arises or inconvenience is caused by accepting Mr Kaufman’s withdrawal,” the ICC said in its ruling.
The court noted that Duterte himself expressed the desire to release Kaufman from his representation and appoint a new counsel.
“The Request indicates that the Accused has expressed a desire to release Mr Kaufman from his representation and hire another counsel to replace him,” the decision read.
According to the ICC, Kaufman informed the court that he had already spoken with Duterte’s replacement lawyer, who confirmed readiness to “assume immediate representation” of the former president.
The court also noted that the incoming counsel had already agreed to the terms of engagement and was informed about pending deadlines in the case.
The ICC said the new lawyer also assured the court that he would be able to attend the next status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.
Name still redacted
Despite granting the request, the ICC noted that the name of Duterte’s new lawyer remained redacted in the public version of Kaufman’s withdrawal request.
The Chamber said Kaufman did not justify keeping the identity confidential.
“Unless Mr Kaufman provides any reasons to keep his name confidential… the Registry is instructed to reclassify the Request as public,” the court said.
Kaufman obligations remain
The ICC also reminded Kaufman of his continuing obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct for counsel, including confidentiality requirements under the Rome Statute and Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
“The Chamber appreciates the assurances made by Mr Kaufman in this regard,” it added.
The development came days after Kaufman told reporters it had been a “privilege” to represent Duterte and expressed confidence that the former president would remain in “safe hands” should his withdrawal be approved.
Earlier documents released by the ICC showed that Kaufman sought leave to withdraw on May 8 after Duterte decided to reorganize his defense team ahead of the trial phase of the case.