Former International Criminal Court (ICC) Bar Association president Peter Haynes has been appointed as the new lawyer of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD), who is currently detained in The Hague facing charges of crimes against humanity and murder related to his war on illegal drugs.
Change in Legal Representation
In a three-page document, Nicholas Kaufman informed the ICC of his withdrawal as Duterte's counsel. The document stated: "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." It added: "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."
Earlier, Kaufman noted that he was hired under a specific contract for the pretrial phase lasting one year or until the conclusion of the confirmation hearing.
Role of Duterte's Family
Duterte's partner Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter Veronica led the selection and recommendation of the new lawyer for the former president.
Haynes' Background
One of the ICC cases handled by Haynes is that of Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese politician and former rebel leader who was acquitted of crimes against humanity in 2018. Over the past 25 years of practicing criminal and humanitarian law, Haynes has handled cases involving murder, serious fraud, sexual offenses, and human trafficking.
