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 on March 11 by Philippine authorities and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, is being investigated for crimes against humanity related to mass killings carried out under the guise of a drug enforcement campaign. The ICC is currently conducting its investigation into these allegations.
In response to these developments, USDP Chairman Khin Yi claimed that the ICC’s actions constitute an improper interference with national sovereignty. In a video broadcast through military-affiliated Telegram channels, Khin Yi argued that it was incorrect for the ICC to exercise jurisdiction over non-member states, stating that such actions violate national sovereignty. He emphasized that this sets a problematic precedent in international law and suggested that the ICC’s actions could be recorded as erroneous in global history.
Khin Yi further argued that considerations of law enforcement and human rights in any nation should not be viewed in isolation, but rather balanced against sovereignty concerns. He criticized what he described as the ICC’s selective application of justice, noting that its actions seem to primarily affect African and Asian nations while having little impact on certain other countries, suggesting a double standard in international justice. The arrest and investigation of the former Philippine president has reportedly created significant anxiety among Min Aung Hlaing and military leaders, leading to requests for reports analyzing potential scenarios should the ICC issue arrest warrants against Myanmar’s military leadership.
