Nicholas Kaufman has officially stepped down as the lead defense counsel for detained former President Rodrigo Duterte in the ongoing crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a three-page document dated May 8, Kaufman filed a request before Trial Chamber III seeking permission to withdraw from representing Duterte. Kaufman said his original one-year engagement, which expired on March 31, 2026, had been extended. However, on May 7, Duterte informed him of his decision to release him from the role and hire a new lawyer to take over the case.
“In light of the aforementioned, in accordance with Regulation 78 (1) of the Regulations of the Court, I hereby respectfully request leave to withdraw as counsel for Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Kaufman wrote in his letter to the Trial Chamber.
Kaufman also confirmed that he had already spoken with the replacement lawyer, who assured him that he was ready, willing and able to immediately assume representation. The identity of the new lawyer has not been disclosed, but Kaufman noted that the individual would represent Duterte during the status conference scheduled for May 27, 2026.
