Members of the European Parliament visit former senator Leila de Lima in prison at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame. | FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the European Parliament renewed their call to release former senator Leila de Lima in a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
They supported United Nations rights experts’ demands for de Lima’s release, compensation, and reparation.
READ: Not just freedom but ‘reparations’ for De Lima – UN rights experts
“We fully endorse the demands made by UN experts on 16th June 2023, urging your government to conclude permanently Ms. de Lima’s case, provide appropriate compensation and reparations, and thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to this unjust situation in the first place,” said lawmakers in a letter dated June 29.
Lawmakers undersigned in the letter were Hannah Neumann, Raphaël Glucksmann, Heidi Hautala, Miguel Urbán Crespo, Isabel Wiseler-Lima.
In addition to demanding de Lima’s release, the lawmakers were dismayed by the recent decision to deny her bail, despite her acquittal from two of her three drug cases. They also cited the multiple delays that marred de Lima’s case, lengthening her detention.
“We, the undersigned, have been pleased to learn that your administration has dropped two out of the three distinct drug-related charges brought against Ms. de Lima. However, we must bring to your attention that the recent developments in her case appear to contradict your commitment to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said the parliament members.
INQUIRER.net has contacted Malacañang for a comment, but it has yet to respond as of writing.