Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court officially appointed veteran British lawyer Peter Haynes KC as counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte following the withdrawal of Nicholas Kaufman from the case.
In a filing dated May 15, the ICC Registry confirmed that Duterte personally requested to be represented by Haynes and that the appointment was formally accepted and finalized by the court.
“The Registry hereby informs Trial Chamber III… that Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte requested to be represented by Mr Peter Haynes KC,” the filing stated.
The ICC Registry later confirmed Duterte signed the appointment form on May 13, while Haynes accepted the mandate the same day.
Haynes is considered one of the leading international criminal lawyers in The Hague and previously represented former Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba, whose conviction was overturned on appeal.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s defense team also asked the ICC Trial Chamber not to immediately set a trial date, saying preparations for the case and Duterte’s health condition would require more time.
“The Defence contends that it would be inappropriate to attempt to set a date for the commencement of trial as matters presently stand,” the filing stated.
The defense argued that trial proceedings should first depend on a determination of Duterte’s “fitness to stand trial,” saying his condition “continues to deteriorate.”
The legal team also cited previous ICC cases where proceedings began 14 to 19 months after charges were confirmed.
“By way of comparison, the period between the decision confirming the charges and the commencement of trial was approximately 14 months in Yekatom and Ngaïssona; 15 months in Ntaganda; 17 months in Bemba; and 19 months in Gbagbo and Blé Goudé,” the defense said.
Duterte remains detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague while awaiting trial over crimes against humanity charges linked to killings during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
