A virtual concert calling for the freedom of detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima is set on Wednesday, February 24, the 4th anniversary of her detention over drug-related charges.
“Sa Pebrero 24, sa ikaapat na taon ng di-makatarungang pagkakulong ni Senator Leila, sama-sama tayong maki-e-jamming sa maraming musikero, artista, relihiyoso, aktibista, lider, at mga kapwa Pilipinong naninindigan para sa ating kalayaan!” said an announcement on her Facebook page Saturday, February 20.
(On February 24, the 4th anniversary of the unjust detention of Senator Leila, let us all join an e-jamming with many musicians, artists, religious, activists, leaders, and fellow Filipinos standing for our freedom.)
The e-jamming – which includes performances by Ebe Dancel and Bugoy Drilon, among other artists – can be viewed on platforms such as De Lima’s official Facebook page and also the account of the Free Leila Committee.
De Lima, a former justice secretary, is considered by many activists as a political prisoner and has received awards from human rights groups for standing up to Duterte over the deaths of thousands of suspected drug peddlers.
De Lima, who was recently acquitted in one of 3 drug charges against her, said the acquittal showed the charges against her were “trumped-up” by the Duterte administration.
“From the onset, these cases were filed to silence me and distract me from my duties as senator,” De Lima said.
Three US lawmakers – Senators Dick Durbin (D-Illionis), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), and Edward J Markey (D-Massachussets) – however said this acquittal was not enough.
De Lima thanked the 3 US senators in a statement Sunday, February 21. “It is clear that the charges against me are Duterte’s brainchild, and the three honorable US Senators are well aware of this as they know that the cases against me are bogus and manufactured,” De Lima said. – with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com
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