Philippines: Duterte threatens to kill human rights activists | Global Ganja Report

20.12.16

Philippines: Duterte threatens to kill human rights activists | Global Ganja Report:

Despite its garbled ambiguity (he is going to stop killing, and then kill those who called on him to stop?), this constitutes a pretty clear threat. The Philippines Inquirer, in reporting the quote, used the following lede: "Human rights advocates, beware. You might just be next in 'The Punisher’s' crosshairs." For good measure, Duterte added, addressing those who have called for him to be tried at The Hague for breaching international law in his bloody crackdown: "You threaten me that you will jail me? International Criminal Court? Bullshit."

This is all too predictable behavior from Duterte, who has also threatened to "assassinate" journalists who report on his terror wave. The new verbal ejaculation is getting some attention, noted with appropriate outrage in Time magazine. Amnesty International Philippines said it is "appalled" by Duterte's comment. "This pronouncement is...inciting hate towards anyone who expresses dissent on his war against drugs," it said in a statement. The Network Against Killings in the Philippines (NAKPhilippines) said Duterte's words "can be interpreted as a declaration of an open season on human rights defenders. We condemn it in the strongest term possible."