ICC allows Kaufman’s withdrawal as Duterte lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have granted the request of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman to withdraw as lead defense counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a five-page decision released yesterday, the Trial Chamber III said it is “of the view that no prejudice arises or inconvenience is caused by accepting Mr. Kaufman’s withdrawal.”

Last Friday, Kaufman informed the judges of Duterte’s decision to hire a replacement counsel, whose identity has yet to be made public.

Kaufman said he was originally engaged to represent Duterte only for the period of one year, with this engagement terminated on March 31.

In its ruling, the trial judges reminded Kaufman “of his continuing obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct for counsel, as well as any confidentiality obligations under the Rome Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.”