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 warrant for crimes against humanity related to mass killings during his anti-drug campaign. The case has sent shockwaves through Myanmar’s military leadership, particularly as the ICC is reportedly preparing to issue an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing.
In response to these developments, USDP Chairman Khin Yi has criticized the ICC’s actions, claiming they infringe upon national sovereignty. He argued that the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states is inappropriate and represents a violation of sovereign authority. Khin Yi further suggested that the ICC demonstrates a bias in its prosecutions, primarily targeting African and Asian nations while applying different standards to other countries. He emphasized the need to balance law enforcement and human rights considerations, arguing against what he termed a one-sided approach to such matters.
The arrest and prosecution of Duterte have reportedly triggered intense discussions among military leaders in Naypyidaw, with Min Aung Hlaing requesting detailed reports on potential implications for his situation. The military council appears particularly concerned about the precedent set by Duterte’s case and its potential implications for their own future accountability. Sources indicate that the military leadership is experiencing significant anxiety over the possibility of similar international legal actions being taken against them, especially given the ICC’s ongoing interest in investigating alleged crimes committed in Myanmar. The situation has created a notable atmosphere of unease among the military leadership, who are closely monitoring developments in Duterte’s case for insights into how international justice mechanisms might affect them in the future.
