A group of human rights lawyers called for a stop to the attacks on drug war victims and their lawyers on social media after former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and flown to The Netherlands to await trial.
Noting an orchestrated campaign of “disinformation, harassment, and gender-based online violence” on one of its officers, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said the attacks were driven by Duterte’s network of trolls and die-hard supporters.
“We strongly denounce the orchestrated campaign…targeting Atty. Krissy Conti, the families of drug war victims, and other human rights defenders,” NUPL said.
These attacks aim to silence those seeking justice and obstruct ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC), the group added.
Conti, an assistant to counsel of complainants before the ICC had been the recipient of “misogynistic threats and character assassination,” that also target the widows, mothers, and daughters of drug war victims.
Crude comments against Conti and kin of victims of Duterte’s so-called war against drugs refer to the women’s genitalia, threats of rape and even assassination.
Conti is even pictured as the devil in some online content by Duterte supporters.
“This coordinated effort to weaponize gender-based violence against women in the legal profession and human rights advocacy must end,” the NUPL said.
The lawyers warned Duterte supporters that their attacks are contributing to arguments he should be denied interim release by the ICC.
Last week, former former Duterte spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao accused Conti of being a paid hack, to which the lawyer replied: “Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.”
Conti denied she is being paid and added: “I was engaged pro bono by the victims of the vicious ‘war on drugs’ to uncover for them the truth.”
Conti is also a nominee of Bayan Muna in this year’s mid-term elections.
The attacks follow Duterte’s own history of inciting violence, fostering a culture of impunity, and encouraging targeted harassment proves he remains a threat to victims, witnesses, and those holding him accountable, NUPL said.
Allowing Duterte’s return to the Philippines would only embolden further reprisals and deepen the climate of fear,” it added.
The NUPL called on the ICC to ensure that all involved in the case against Duterte—including lawyers, witnesses, and victims—can speak and act without threat to their safety.
It also called on the Philippine government to take decisive action in protecting human rights defenders from gender-based violence and ensuring the safety of those seeking justice.
“It must support the ICC’s investigation, rejoin the court, and take a stand for justice. The Philippines must break free from the legacy of impunity,” NUPL said.
“We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity,” NUPL concluded. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
