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 was arrested on March 11 by Philippine authorities and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, following an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity related to mass killings during his anti-drug campaign in the Philippines.
In response to this development, USDP Chairman Khin Yi criticized the ICC’s actions, stating that they infringe upon national sovereignty. He argued that the ICC demonstrates bias by primarily targeting African and Asian nations while applying different standards to other countries. Khin Yi emphasized the need to balance law enforcement and human rights considerations within nations, asserting that these issues cannot be viewed from a single perspective. He particularly noted that the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states raises concerns about the violation of national sovereignty.
The arrest and prosecution of Duterte has notably impacted Min Aung Hlaing and the military council, prompting requests for reports analyzing potential scenarios regarding ICC arrest warrants. Sources confirm that military leaders in Naypyidaw are experiencing heightened anxiety and concern over the ICC’s demonstrated ability to prosecute former heads of state for human rights violations. This development has created a significant atmosphere of unease among Myanmar’s military leadership, as they face potential similar international legal consequences for their actions against civilians.
