British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman to withdraw from 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.

In a redacted document released by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kaufman said Duterte mentioned during his prison visit that the latter decided to tap the services of another lawyer.

“I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr. Duterte’s representation will remain assured through [REDACTED], who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defense team. Counsel thanks [REDACTED] for his extremely graceful, supportive and collegial approach,” Kaufman told the Trial Chamber III.

He also said that his one-year contract to represent Duterte expired on March 31, 2026.

“In the event that leave is granted, I affirm that I will adhere to all relevant provisions of the [ICC] Code of Professional Conduct concerning confidentiality and record-keeping provided for in Articles 8, 15, and 17,” Kaufman said.

Meanwhile, the Trial Chamber III granted the request of Dov Jacobs to withdraw as Duterte’s associate counsel, also citing Duterte’s decision to reorganize the defense team.

Kaufman was appointed lead defense counsel shortly after Duterte was taken to The Hague, Netherlands on an ICC warrant in March 2025. He has consistently argued that Duterte should be freed due to lack of jurisdiction, which the ICC Appeals Chamber recently rejected.

The Appeals Chamber ruled that the ICC retains jurisdiction over the case despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.

During the confirmation of charges hearings in February, Kaufman said that Duterte did not issue specific orders to kill drug suspects.