HRW lauds de Lima acquittal, calls for her immediate release

HRW reaction to Manila court’s verdict acquitting former senator Leila de Lima of a drug charge:

Human Rights Watch applauds the decision of the court to acquit former Senator Leila de Lima of another drug charge, making this the second acquittal in the three politically motivated cases filed against her by the government of then President Rodrigo Duterte. Another case is still being tried before a separate court and de Lima has filed a petition for bail which is still under consideration. That court should grant bail to de Lima, who has been in police detention for more than six years.

Today’s acquittal demonstrates again the bogus, harassing nature of the charges against de Lima. Human Rights Watch maintains that Leila de Lima should be freed immediately.

The cases against de Lima are part of former President Duterte’s vindictive campaign to destroy her for daring to investigate the human rights abuses he committed while mayor of Davao City and, later, as president of the Philippines. Key witnesses have recanted their testimony, admitting that they were coerced to provide false testimony against her.

Leila de Lima’s steadfast commitment to human rights and the rule of law are commendable and should be recognized. Freeing her now is critical so she can return to her family, leaving the injustice of years behind bars in pre-trial detention caused by Duterte’s vengeful cruelty. The Philippines needs more champions like de Lima to serve in the cause of human rights, and stand up for justice against politically motivated bullying.

Phil Robertson
Deputy Asia Director
Human Rights Watch