MANILA, Philippines — Three United Nations special rapporteurs are set to investigate the alleged human rights violations committed against detained lawmaker Leila De Lima, one of the most outspoken critics of President Rodrigo Duterte. This, after the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention formally referred De Lima’s case to the three special rapporteurs after it found sufficient grounds that violate her rights as a senator and a human rights defender. The referral was part of the recommendations contained in the opinion officially adopted by UNHRC-WGAD last August 24. Meanwhile, Diego Garcia-Sayan, special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, was assigned to look into violations of De Lima’s rights for a fair trial. De Lima was arrested on Feb. 24, 2017, over her alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison.

Source: Philippine Star December 21, 2018 06:33 UTC