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Philippines - VFA won’t save 6 GIs from death penalty for gang rape
The existing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) would not be a hindrance to exempt from the death penalty the six US Marines accused of raping a 22-year-old Filipino woman. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, during a press conference in Malacañang, yesterday stressed that should the Philippine court rule against the US servicemen, the VFA and even the extradition treaty cannot save them from the maximum penalty of death.
“If there's a conviction, they can make an appeal because it is also included under the VFA but you see, there's no exemption here. If they would be found guilty, then the decision must be acted upon. Extradition is not allowed in countries which impose the death penalty, so judgment must be followed,” he said.
Philippines - VFA won’t save 6 GIs from death penalty for gang rape
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