US lawmaker calls for dropping of last drug case against Leila de Lima

Sen. Dick Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) File photo / KIICHIRO SATO / AP

MANILA, Philippines — A United States lawmaker called on the Philippine government to drop the remaining case against former Senator Leila de Lima.

US Senator Dick Durbin, in a tweet on Wednesday, said de Lima’s courage to defend truth amid repression is an inspiration.

“After nearly seven years — six years, eight months, and 21 days of being unjustly jailed, former PH Senator Leila de Lima was finally released,” said Durbin.

READ: US senator’s aides visit De Lima in Camp Crame

“In a moving interview just after leaving the prison camp she stood by her defense of democracy, human rights, and truth and reflected on the importance of not succumbing to hate — a reminder of courage and grace. I welcome her release and urge any remaining charges against her be immediately dropped,” he added.

READ: Foreign ambassadors welcome De Lima’s release on bail

Durbin’s statement was issued following de Lima’s temporary release after several years of being detained.

Branch 206 of the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa granted De Lima’s petition for bail on Monday in her only remaining drug case.

She was accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison and was arrested in 2017.