Duterte Appoints Haynes as New ICC Lead Counsel

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed British lawyer Peter Haynes as his new lead counsel at the International Criminal Court, replacing Nicholas Kaufman in the ongoing crimes against humanity case linked to his administration's war on drugs.

The change was revealed on Tuesday after the ICC released an unredacted version of Kaufman's May 8 withdrawal request to Trial Chamber III. In the filing, Kaufman stated that Duterte had expressed his desire to hire Haynes during a defense team visit the previous day. Kaufman added that he had spoken with Haynes, who confirmed he was "ready, willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed." Kaufman also noted he would provide any necessary assistance to ensure a smooth transition, citing his familiarity with the new counsel.

Haynes brings extensive experience in international criminal law, with decades of practice before the ICC and other tribunals. He previously served as president of the ICC Bar Association from 2019 to 2021 and has represented high-profile defendants, including Congolese politician Jean-Pierre Bemba, whom he helped secure acquittal on appeal in...