The International Criminal Court has approved the withdrawal of lawyer Dov Jacobs from the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, while lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman has also requested permission to leave the case.
Trial Chamber III granted Jacobs’ request on May 8, stating that Duterte would continue to be represented by lead counsel and the “existing defense team,” meaning no prejudice or disruption would result from the withdrawal.
Jacobs said his decision stemmed from Duterte’s plan to reorganize his legal team ahead of trial proceedings at the ICC.
Kaufman also seeks withdrawal
Kaufman’s own request to withdraw, dated May 8, was made public Friday through a redacted filing.
According to the filing, Duterte informed Kaufman that a new lawyer would soon head a restructured defense team. The identity of the incoming counsel was redacted, although the lawyer was referred to as “he.”
“Counsel has spoken to [REDACTED] who has indeed confirmed that he is ready, willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed,” Kaufman wrote.
Kaufman also expressed confidence that Duterte’s legal representation would continue smoothly under the incoming counsel and the current defense team.
“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 defence team,” he said.
He added that he had already briefed the incoming lawyer, who is expected to attend the ICC status conference scheduled for May 27.
ICC reminds departing lawyer of obligations
In approving Jacobs’ withdrawal, Trial Chamber III reminded him that he remains bound by confidentiality and professional conduct obligations under ICC rules and the Rome Statute.
Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges
Prosecutors at the ICC have charged the 81-year-old former president with three counts of crimes against humanity related to killings linked to his anti-drug campaign.
The charges involve at least 76 alleged murders identified by prosecutors as “emblematic” cases, although rights groups and ICC investigators estimate that thousands may have died during the crackdown.
The allegations include:
- 19 killings allegedly connected to Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor from 2013 to 2016
- 14 killings involving alleged “high-value targets” during his presidency from 2016 to 2017
- 43 killings tied to anti-drug “clearance operations” from 2016 to 2018
Following hearings earlier this year, ICC pretrial judges ruled that there were substantial grounds to believe Duterte may have been responsible for the killings.
The May 27 status conference is expected to formally begin the trial-stage proceedings, during which both sides will submit evidence and other materials ahead of trial proper.