Miriam files resolution condemning charges vs Suu Kyi

MANILA, Philippines - A resolution condemning the filing of criminal charges against Aung San Suu Kyi for allegedly violating the conditions of her house arrest was filed at the Senate Tuesday. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who authored the resolution, said the charges filed by the Myanmar government are in violation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). “This is clearly a case of harassment since the elections in Myanmar is next year. The military government of Myanmar is trying to hold on to the reins of power by any means possible," Santiago said. The Philippine government, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, has earlier expressed outrage over what it called as “trumped-up" charges against Suu Kyi, and called for Myanmar to carry out its “Roadmap for Democracy" program meant to release political detainees. As Senate foreign relations committee chair, Santiago previously rallied against Myanmar’s chairmanship in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2006 for human rights violations. “One of the first resolutions I filed as senator is to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from detention. I am particularly interested in her case as chair of the Senate foreign relations committee and a student of international law," the senator said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV