The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest and investigation of former Philippine President Duterte has caused significant concern among Myanmar’s military council leader Min Aung Hlaing and other military leaders in Naypyidaw. Duterte, who was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 11 and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, faces charges at the ICC for crimes against humanity related to mass killings conducted under the guise of a drug enforcement campaign in the Philippines.
In response to these developments, Khin Yee, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, has criticized the ICC’s actions as violations of national sovereignty. He questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states and pointed out what he described as a double standard in the court’s operations, suggesting that the ICC’s actions primarily affect African and Asian nations while having little impact on other countries. He emphasized the need to balance human rights considerations with national sovereignty and the rule of law, arguing that these issues cannot be viewed from a one-sided perspective.
The arrest and investigation of Duterte has had a notable impact on Min Aung Hlaing and his family members, particularly as reports circulate about the ICC’s preparations to issue arrest warrants against the Myanmar military leader. Sources indicate that Min Aung Hlaing has requested reports regarding potential scenarios that might unfold if the ICC proceeds with its actions. The prosecution of the former Philippine president has created a wave of anxiety among military leaders in Naypyidaw, who are closely monitoring the developments and their potential implications for their own situation.
