US forces its will on a "friend"

by truthcaster | February 23, 2009 at 09:50 am
140 views | 4 Recommendations | 1 comment

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney issued a not so subtle threat on a "friend", supposedly sovereign nation called Philippines. Now, that's not the way to threat a "friend".

Quote

MANILA (AFP) — The United States Monday cautioned the Philippines against reviewing their defence treaty, in a row over a US Marine's appeal against a 40-year jail sentence for raping a Filipina. US envoy Kristie Kenney said it was "premature to talk about reviewing" the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) while the case of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was being scrutinised. Smith was convicted in 2006 of raping the Filipina after he took part in war games in the Philippines. He was initially sent to a local jail to start his 40-year sentence, but was later transferred to a facility inside the US embassy in Manila when the case went on appeal, triggering public outrage. The appeal has yet to be heard.

Now, if only the U.S. would respect the laws of the Philippines and hand over custody of a convicted rapist to Philippine authorities pending appeal, we wouldn't even be talking about this.

Advertisement
recommend This comment thread is now closed
1
Babel-Fish

I can't see the threat, I can see hey we think this guys innocent. Lets have a fair appeal. I really can not see the logic that US would back a man that is thought to be totally guilty. Its not in their political interest and the soldiers just another grunt. I have a gut feeling this is all to do with justice and fair trial. 

What I do see is the fact that the soldier has been taken out of a Filipino jail whilst on appeal.

Now lets take away the American hatred and look at whats happening. Appeals are made normally after new evidence has been found. Lets say or assume that the US soldiers has been wrongly imprisoned and the appeal will prove his innocence? Would we want him to sit in a rat infested jail because he has been wrongly accused?

There has been no mention that after the appeal is turned down that the US will not hand over the soldier to serve the full sentence.

The problem is that the US does not respect the Law of the Philippines as the system has been proved corrupt.

I think before all the shouting its best to await the appeal and see where things go from there.

I certainly would not want to throw the first stone. 

My logic assumption is US has found the need to remind the Philippine government that it should be wary of future military aid and funding if the soldier is not given a chance to prove his innocent if that if the case.

Unfortunately the American hate mongers are interfering with political diplomacy hopefully its not effecting the life of a man that may be innocent of any crime.


This story was created over 3 months ago, the comment thread is now closed.

closeSign in to NowPublic

is reporting from