Prominent Duterte Critic Leila de Lima Released on Bail in the Philippines

De Lima's Release Seen as Victory for Opposition, Could Bolster Case Against Duterte at International Criminal Court

Leila de Lima, a prominent critic of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has been released on bail after nearly seven years in detention on drug charges that human rights groups consider politically motivated.
De Lima, who had initiated a Senate probe into Duterte's war on drugs, was jailed in 2017 without trial, making her the country's most prominent political prisoner.
Five witnesses have since recanted their testimonies in the drug case against de Lima, bolstering her defense and raising hopes among her supporters for an eventual acquittal.
De Lima's release is seen as a victory for the weakened Philippine opposition and is expected to enable her to campaign more actively for a case against Duterte at the International Criminal Court.
The release of de Lima is also expected to improve the Philippine government's image abroad, with many Western lawmakers having called for her release.