The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest and investigation of former Philippine President Duterte has caused significant concern among Myanmar’s military leadership, particularly Min Aung Hlaing and other senior military officials in Naypyidaw. In response to this development, Khin Yi, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), has publicly criticized the ICC’s actions, claiming they are procedurally incorrect.
Through military-affiliated Telegram channels, Khin Yi released a video statement analyzing the ICC’s actions. She argued that the ICC’s prosecution of the former Philippine president constitutes an infringement on national sovereignty, emphasizing that the court lacks jurisdiction over non-member states. The case has particularly resonated within Myanmar’s military circles, as the ICC is reportedly preparing arrest warrants for Min Aung Hlaing and other military leaders.
The situation involves the March 11 arrest of former President Duterte, who was taken into custody by Philippine authorities and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges related to alleged mass killings during his anti-drug campaign. The ICC is currently proceeding with its investigation and legal proceedings against Duterte. This development has reportedly triggered anxiety among Myanmar’s military leadership, prompting them to assess potential scenarios should the ICC issue arrest warrants against them. Sources indicate that Min Aung Hlaing has requested detailed reports analyzing the implications of the Duterte case.
Khin Yi further argued that law enforcement and human rights issues within a nation cannot be viewed in isolation. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both sovereignty and rule of law, suggesting that international bodies should not intervene unilaterally in domestic affairs. She also criticized what she described as the ICC’s selective application of justice, noting that its actions appear to primarily affect African and Asian nations while having limited impact on certain other countries, suggesting a double standard in international justice.
