Nicholas Kaufman withdraws as lead counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC), court filings and reports say. Kaufman submits a request to withdraw dated May 8 to ICC Trial Chamber III, which handles Duterte’s case. In the filings, Kaufman says he has spoken with Duterte, who indicates he wants to hire new counsel. Kaufman had originally been appointed to serve as lead counsel for a one-year term that ends on March 31, 2026, and his continuation appears to be tied to the court approval process for withdrawal.
After Kaufman’s request, Trial Chamber III grants his exit as Duterte’s counsel. The chamber’s decision follows Kaufman’s explanation that his replacement is ready to assume representation immediately and is expected to be able to attend the next status conference. The name of the incoming lead counsel is not disclosed in the available documents and is only described in limited terms. The transition occurs ahead of upcoming ICC proceedings involving Duterte’s defense team.
