Peter Haynes appointed as Rodrigo Duterte's ICC Defense counsel replacing Kaufman

Lawyer Peter Haynes has been named as the new counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges for crimes against humanity, replacing Nicholaas Kaufman, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said.

Haynes is a former president of the ICC Bar Association.

In a three-page filing by Kaufman dated May 8, it was stated that Haynes had already been informed of the deadlines and assured that he would be able to attend the status conference set for May 27.

“Yesterday, the Defence team visited Mr. Duterte and documented both Mr. Duterte’s release of Counsel from his representation and his desire to hire replacement Counsel - Mr. Peter Haynes,” the document read.

“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,” it added.

The ICC Trial Chamber III earlier granted Kaufman’s withdrawal as Duterte’s counsel in his crimes against humanity case.

According to the Trial Chamber, Kaufman made his request to withdraw on May 8, indicating that Duterte expressed a desire to release him from his representation and hire another counsel to replace him.

“I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr Duterte’s representation will remain assured through Mr Haynes, who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defence team. Counsel thanks Mr Haynes for his extremely graceful, supportive and collegial approach,” said Kaufman. —NB, GMA News