It is a pathetic irony that while freedom fighters and human rights advocates are depreciated by the present leadership in their own country, they are greatly appreciated elsewhere in the world.

This is the case of Sen. Leila de Lima who recently won the international Prize for Freedom Award even as she languishes in prison for fabricated and politically motivated charges.

The Liberal International (LI) in 1987 also honored then President Corazon Aquino with the same award.

De Lima, an irrepressible and vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration for violation of human rights and debasement of basic freedoms, has been unjustly detained in the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City for eight months since February this year.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN