Nicholas Kaufman, Lead Defense Lawyer of Rodrigo Duterte, to Step Down
A redacted replacement lawyer has agreed to step in as Duterte reorganizes his defense ahead of a May 27 status conference, Kaufman said.
- Nicholas Kaufman has requested permission from International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III to withdraw as lead defense counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as the crimes against humanity case moves toward trial.
- Kaufman's contract ended March 31, 2026, prompting Duterte to reorganize his legal team in anticipation of the upcoming trial proceedings regarding his administration's anti-drug campaign.
- The British-Israeli lawyer has secured an experienced replacement, whose identity remains redacted, who confirmed readiness to immediately assume representation and attend the status conference slated for May 27.
- Associate counsel Dov Jacobs also moved to withdraw from the defense team, citing the reorganization, while Trial Chamber III must still formally approve Kaufman's request to step down.
- Detained in The Hague since March 2025, the 81-year-old Duterte faces murder charges related to his administration's war on narcotics that killed thousands of suspected drug dealers and users.
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Nicholas Kaufman, lead defense lawyer of Rodrigo Duterte, to step down
MANILA, Philippines — Nicholas Kaufman has decided to step down as the head of the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case in the International Criminal Court (ICC). But before he could formally leave the defense team, Kaufman would have to get the approval of the Trial Chamber (TC) III, which is handling Duterte’s case. READ: ICC: All charges vs Rodrigo Duterte confirmed In the public redacted version …
Nicholas Kaufman moves to withdraw as Duterte's ICC lawyer ahead of trial phase
Nicholas Kaufman has asked the International Criminal Court to allow him to withdraw as legal counsel for Rodrigo Duterte as the crimes against humanity of murder case against the former president enters preparations for trial proceedings.
Duterte reorganizes defense team, lets Kaufman, another go amid ICC trial preparations
MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will restructure his defense team after two of his lawyers manifested their intention to withdraw amid preparations for his trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity.
Nicholas Kaufman tells ICC he's leaving Rodrigo Duterte's defense team
British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman on Friday notified the International Criminal Court (ICC) that he was leaving the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs.
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