The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has granted the request of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman to withdraw as counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case.
In a five-page decision issued Monday, the Chamber said accepting Kaufman’s withdrawal would not cause prejudice or inconvenience to the proceedings.
According to the ruling, Kaufman filed his request on May 8, stating that Duterte wished to end his legal representation and appoint a new lawyer in his place.
The Chamber said Kaufman had already coordinated with Duterte’s replacement counsel, who confirmed readiness to immediately assume representation of the former president. The new lawyer also reportedly agreed to the terms of engagement and committed to attending the next status conference scheduled for May 27.
The identity of the incoming counsel, however, was redacted from the public version of the filing.
The ICC also reminded Kaufman of his continuing obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct, including confidentiality requirements related to the case.
The decision was signed by Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
Duterte remains under ICC custody over crimes against humanity charges tied to alleged killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president of the Philippines.
