Chicago ? Ten days before the impeachment trial that could cost Gov. Rod Blagojevich his office, his team of defense lawyers said Friday they have withdrawn from the proceedings, which two of the attorneys compared to a “lynching.”

Lead attorney Edward M. Genson disassociated himself from any lynching talk but did say the rules of the state Senate trial, the first of its kind in Illinois history, “were extraordinarily unfair” and assured that the governor would be convicted.

“It’s a foregone conclusion,” Genson told The Associated Press. He said he decided “a few days ago” not to take part but since then has been directed by Blagojevich not to attend.

“I have been instructed not to participate in the impeachment trial,” he said. He said he will still defend Blagojevich on federal charges of fraud and bribery.