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. Khin Yee, chairman of the military council’s Union Solidarity and Development Party, has publicly criticized the ICC’s actions as erroneous. These comments were broadcast through military-affiliated Telegram channels, where he expressed his views on the ICC’s jurisdiction and authority.
Khin Yee argued that the ICC’s actions constitute an improper interference with national sovereignty, particularly criticizing the court’s attempt to exercise judicial influence over non-member states. He further claimed that the ICC’s actions demonstrate a discriminatory approach, primarily affecting African and Asian nations while having little impact on certain other countries. This, he suggested, indicates a double standard in the ICC’s operations and enforcement mechanisms.
Former Philippine President Duterte faces charges at the ICC for crimes against humanity related to mass killings conducted under the guise of a drug enforcement campaign. The Philippine government arrested him on March 11 and transferred him to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, where he is currently under investigation. This development has had a notable impact on Min Aung Hlaing and his family, who are also facing potential ICC arrest warrants. Reports indicate that Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the preparation of reports regarding potential scenarios should the ICC issue warrants for his arrest. The arrest of Duterte has created a wave of anxiety and concern among military leaders in Naypyidaw, who are closely monitoring the situation and its implications for their own potential accountability before international justice mechanisms.
