The arrest and investigation of former Philippine President Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has caused significant concern and alarm among Myanmar’s military leadership in Naypyidaw, including coup leader Min Aung Hlaing. Duterte, who was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 11 and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, is being investigated for crimes against humanity related to mass killings during his anti-drug campaign. The ICC’s actions have created palpable anxiety among Myanmar’s military leadership, particularly as the court is reportedly preparing arrest warrants for their own alleged crimes.
In response to these developments, Khin Yi, chairman of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), has criticized the ICC’s actions as violations of national sovereignty. He argued that the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states is inappropriate and represents a flawed approach to international justice. Khin Yi specifically pointed out what he perceives as a double standard in the ICC’s operations, suggesting that the court’s actions disproportionately affect African and Asian nations while seemingly exempting certain other countries from similar scrutiny. He emphasized that considerations of law enforcement and national sovereignty should be balanced against human rights concerns, arguing against what he termed a one-sided approach to international justice.
The ICC’s successful arrest and ongoing investigation of Duterte has had a notable impact on Min Aung Hlaing and his inner circle, prompting them to request detailed reports on potential scenarios should the ICC issue arrest warrants against them. The situation has particular relevance as the ICC is currently investigating crimes committed against the Rohingya population by the Myanmar military and is reportedly preparing to issue arrest warrants for military leaders, including Min Aung Hlaing. The precedent set by Duterte’s arrest and prosecution has created a wave of apprehension among Naypyidaw’s military leadership, who now face the real possibility of similar international legal action against them for their alleged crimes against humanity.
