BRITISH LAWYER PETER HAYNES EYED AS NEW DUTERTE COUNSEL
JUST IN: A British lawyer with extensive experience in international law and is known for a high-profile acquittal at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is being eyed as the new lead counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Peter Haynes — former president of the ICC Bar Association — was confirmed to be the lawyer whose name was redacted in the request for withdrawal of Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s former lead defense counsel.
Haynes is known for his role in securing the acquittal on appeal of Congolese politician Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was initially convicted of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The British lawyer was also appointed by the ICC in 2024 to represent the interests of Ugandan militant Joseph Kony during his confirmation hearings, which were held in absentia last year.
The ICC Trial Chamber III earlier directed the release of the unredacted version of Kaufman’s request.
Haynes, who reportedly met with Duterte last weekend, has yet to be formally nominated as the former president’s new defense counsel.
According to his profile on the UK-based St. Philips Barristers’ Chamber, Haynes also led cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
In his request for withdrawal, Kaufman described Haynes as someone who has a “wealth of experience” at the ICC.
“Counsel has spoken to Mr. Haynes who has indeed confirmed that he is ready willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed. Counsel informed Mr. Haynes of pending deadlines and Mr. Haynes assured him that he will be able to attend the status conference set for 27 May 2026,” Kaufman told the trial chamber.
Kaufman earlier confirmed that Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter Veronica had a role in the selection of his replacement.
“The Registry of the Court requested my approval for the acquaintance visit of prospective counsel (on Saturday) and in accordance with my professional and ethical obligations, I raised no objection,” he said in a message to reporters.
“Since the visit of prospective counsel would have taken place under conditions of privilege, I would not feel it appropriate to enquire as to what transpired,” he added. | via Janvic Mateo
