After a series of legal setbacks, British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has requested to withdraw as lead defense counsel for former president Rodrigo Duterte in his alleged crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“In the event that leave is granted, I affirm that I will adhere to all relevant provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct concerning confidentiality and record-keeping provided for in Articles 8, 15, and 17,” Kaufman wrote in the public redacted version of his request dated May 8, 2026.

If the request is approved, another lawyer — whose name was redacted in the filing — will immediately assume representation. Kaufman said the new counsel assured him that he would attend the status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.

ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said victims want the trial to proceed without delay.

“Rodrigo Duterte has the right to counsel of his choice. But victims want assurance that the change will not result in any delay,” she said.

Conti added that the appointment of a new lawyer does not “automatically reset or give rise to new remedies available to the accused.”

Duterte’s defense team has suffered consecutive legal defeats before the ICC. ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed the charges against him, while the ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the court’s jurisdiction over the case.

Separately, ICC Trial Chamber III approved the request of French lawyer Dov Jacobs to withdraw as associate counsel for the defense team. (AMU)