"It’s such a shame that the Dutch ambassador dismissed an international juridical body as a kangaroo court. He had just faulted victims for filing their complaints at the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT)."
This was the statement of the Philippine human rights group Karapatan after Dutch Ambassador Robert Vornis said that the Permanent People’s Tribunal is a kangaroo court.
"It’s such a shame that the Dutch ambassador dismissed an international juridical body as a kangaroo court. He had just faulted victims for filing their complaints at the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT)."
This was the statement of the Philippine human rights group Karapatan after Dutch Ambassador Robert Vornis said that the Permanent People’s Tribunal is a kangaroo court.
"That he dismissed an esteemed international juridical body to be a kangaroo court is insulting to victims and rights advocates," said Karapatan Public Information Officer Ruth Cervantes.
Cervantes said Vornis’ statement has been wittingly or unwittingly used by Malacañang to boost its flagging credibility on the unending phenomena of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations.
"We urge Mr. Vornis to read the verdict and to know the other side of the coin," Karapatan said, adding that Mr. Vornis could be misinformed when the ambassador said the Philippine government was not invited by the PPT.
Karapatan said that in accordance with the PPT’s statutes, a formal invitation to attend the Second Session on the Philippines was sent earlier to Mrs. Arroyo and President George W. Bush of the United States of America, through their respective governments’ embassies in Rome, Italy and in The Hague, The Netherlands. The invitation to hear the side of the accused parties or their representatives was once again extended during the opening session of the PPT last 21 March. No reply was received by the Tribunal.
"We hope that he will exercise caution in issuing statements and not make hasty conclusions so as to please the Philippine government while offending the victims who have been frustrated in their quest for justice in this country," Cervantes said.
The PPT heard testimonies of witnesses of political killings and abductions, expert testimonies and boxes of documents, and other evidences to support three major charges against the two governments.
"The complainants sought the tribunal because they believed it was independent and credible. They argued their case and won, no one has the right to deny them of the victory and justice they deserved."###