The International Criminal Court allowed associate counsel Dov Jacobs to withdraw from former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team on May 8. Lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman also requested to leave as the case enters trial preparations.
Trial Chamber III in The Hague granted Jacobs' request, noting no prejudice to Duterte's representation since lead counsel and the existing team remain in place. Jacobs, a French lawyer, cited Duterte's plan to reorganize the defense team ahead of trial proceedings.
Kaufman, a British-Israeli lawyer, filed his withdrawal request on May 8 after his engagement ended on March 31, 2026. He informed the court that Duterte expressed a desire to hire replacement counsel during a May 7 visit. An unnamed incoming counsel, described as ready and experienced at the ICC, is set to assume representation and attend the May 27 status conference.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his administration's anti-drug campaign. The next status conference marks the start of trial-stage proceedings, with parties expected to submit documents and evidence.
