Leila de Lima
Philippine human rights campaigner Leila de Lima was granted bail on November 13, 2023, after more than six years under police custody. The decision was made by Judge Gener Gito, who allowed de Lima and her four surviving co-accused to post bail of 300,000 pesos ($5,350) each.
De Lima was arrested in 2017 on drug trafficking charges, which she has always denied. Her supporters say that the charges are politically motivated and that she is being persecuted for her criticism of the Philippine government’s “war on drugs” campaign.
De Lima’s release on bail is a major victory for human rights activists in the Philippines. It is also a sign that the country’s judicial system is still capable of upholding the rule of law, even in the face of political pressure.
De Lima’s release is expected to take some time, as the prosecution has already appealed the court’s decision. However, her supporters are hopeful that she will soon be reunited with her family and friends.