INT'L CRIMINAL LAWYER JOINS DUTERTE DEFENSE COUNSEL

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally designated veteran international criminal lawyer Kate Gibson as associate counsel in former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's crimes against humanity case.

In a document dated May 18, the Court’s Registry, the ICC’s administrative arm, informed Trial Chamber III that Gibson had been officially appointed to Duterte’s legal team.

Gibson's designation was requested by Duterte's new lead counsel Peter Haynes, who replaced British Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman on May 15.

Gibson has worked in international courts and tribunals since 2005, representing former heads of state, military leaders, and victims in international criminal cases.

She previously worked with Haynes in the defense of former Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba, whose conviction for crimes against humanity and war crimes was overturned by the ICC Appeals Chamber in 2018, resulting in his acquittal.

The two lawyers also worked together on proceedings involving Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, whose ICC case continues despite his absence from custody.

Prosecutors are eyeing a November 30 start on Duterte's official trial following his confirmation of charges.