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US welcomes De Lima's bail grant on 'politically-motivated drug charges'

Philippines | National

US welcomes De Lima's bail grant on 'politically-motivated drug charges'

By Joseph Pedrajas

The United States has welcomed the release of detained former senator Leila de Lima that came after a court's granting of her bail petition.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement Washington welcomes the court's decision "after nearly seven years of detention on politically motivated drug charges."

"Senator De Lima's release follows her acquittal in two out of three cases," he added.

Miller also said the United States is urging the Philippines to resolve de Lima's remaining case "in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments."

On Monday, Nov. 13, US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson already said it was a "welcome news" that de Lima was "approved for release at long last."

Other diplomatic missions in the country, including those of France, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union, also welcomed de Lima's granting of bail.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Australian envoy Hae Kyong Yu were the latest who commended the court's move.

"For us in France, November 13 is painful, remembering the atrocities of terrorist attacks 2015. But for once a November 13 is synonym of an excellent news: Freedom for Leila de Lima," Fontanel said in a post on X on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

"Pleased to see @AttyLeiladeLima released from detention after many years. We look forward to the speedy resolution of her legal matters in accordance with Philippine law," said Yu.

On Monday, UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils, the Canadian Embassy in Manila and EU Ambassador Luc Veron already expressed their positive sentiment towards de Lima's granting of bail, which was also ruled on the same day.

Related Tags

Washington Leila de Lima Matthew Miller Bail

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