ADVERTISEMENT

Philippine President vows comfort for Russian drug suspects

Duterte made the commitment at a meeting late Monday with Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev on the sidelines of a regional summit in Manila.

"I would just like to say that we have a working functional justice system here and they will get a fair trial and that they will be detained in a comfortable house," Duterte told Medvedev, according to an official transcript.

"Whether (the allegations are) true or not, we will find out but I will see to it that they are treated fairly and no additional stress on their person that will happen."

Yuri Kirdyushkin and Anastasia Novopashina were under investigation for drug smuggling but had not been convicted, Duterte said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Duterte's 16-month rule has been dominated by a crackdown on illegal drugs in which police have reported killing 3,967 suspects.

Another 2,290 people have been murdered in drug-related crimes, while thousands of other deaths remain unsolved, according to government data.

Rights groups and domestic critics say the crackdown could be a crime against humanity, warning that police and hired assassins are carrying out mass murder.

Duterte has repeatedly railed against his critics and insisted human rights should take a backseat to eradicating drug traffickers.

He has also said he would be happy for all Filipino drug addicts to be "slaughtered".

ADVERTISEMENT

Rights groups say the crackdown has also added pressure on the country's extremely over-crowded prisons, with inmates forced to endure abject living conditions.

In many cases prisoners have to take turns sleeping while waiting for years for their cases to go through the courts.

Duterte did not provide details on the two Russians' cases, and the Russian embassy and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency spokesmen told AFP they could not immediately comment on the case.

Previous news reports have said Kirdyushkin was arrested with about 10 kilos (22 pounds) of cocaine at Manila airport on October 5 last year.

Manila airport customs police detained Novopashina in November last year after finding nearly 13 kilos of cocaine in her luggage, the reports said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Russia's ties with the Philippines, a long-time US ally, have been improving dramatically under Duterte.

Duterte is a self-described socialist and fan of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Duterte on Monday also thanked Russia for supplying guns and other weapons that he said helped defeat Islamist militants in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.

The official transcript of Monday's meeting did not include Medvedev's response on the two detained suspects.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT