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Peter Haynes Named New ICC Counsel After Kaufman Withdrawal
Photo credit: ICC
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal defense before the International Criminal Court (ICC) is set for a leadership change after British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman filed a request to withdraw as counsel and identified British barrister Peter Haynes as his replacement.
Based on ICC filings dated May 8, 2026, Kaufman informed Trial Chamber III that his engagement as Duterte’s counsel had ended on March 31, 2026.
The filing stated that Duterte agreed to the change in legal representation and expressed his desire to appoint Haynes as replacement counsel.
Kaufman also told the court that Haynes had confirmed he was “ready, willing and able” to immediately assume representation and attend the status conference scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Haynes is a United Kingdom-based international criminal law practitioner known for handling cases before international tribunals, including proceedings at the ICC.
In the filing, Kaufman requested leave from the court to formally withdraw from the case titled The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“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,” Kaufman wrote in the filing.
Neither the ICC nor Duterte’s legal camp has publicly provided further details regarding the change in counsel.
The case before the ICC continues as pre-trial proceedings move forward.
Based on ICC filings dated May 8, 2026, Kaufman informed Trial Chamber III that his engagement as Duterte’s counsel had ended on March 31, 2026.
The filing stated that Duterte agreed to the change in legal representation and expressed his desire to appoint Haynes as replacement counsel.
Kaufman also told the court that Haynes had confirmed he was “ready, willing and able” to immediately assume representation and attend the status conference scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Haynes is a United Kingdom-based international criminal law practitioner known for handling cases before international tribunals, including proceedings at the ICC.
In the filing, Kaufman requested leave from the court to formally withdraw from the case titled The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“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,” Kaufman wrote in the filing.
Neither the ICC nor Duterte’s legal camp has publicly provided further details regarding the change in counsel.
The case before the ICC continues as pre-trial proceedings move forward.
May 12, 2026
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