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German bishops join calls for end to Philippine killings

Prelates also express 'exceptional concern' over the move to re-impose capital punishment
German bishops join calls for end to Philippine killings

Archbishop Ludwig Schick, left, stands beside Archbishop Robert Zollitsch in this file photo. (Photo by Uwe Zucchi/AFP)

Published: May 16, 2017 04:25 AM GMT
Updated: May 16, 2017 04:25 AM GMT

A group of German Catholic bishops has added its voice to the growing chorus of condemnations of the continuing drug-related killings in the Philippines.

Archbishop Ludwig Schick of the Commission on International Church Affairs of the German bishops said they are one with Philippine bishops in calling for and "end to extrajudicial killings."

The German bishops also expressed "exceptional concern" over the move to re-impose capital punishment for drug-related offenses in the Philippines.

"[The move] would be a major blow to human rights in this country and to the global efforts to abolish the death penalty," said Archbishop Schick.

He said the proposed lowering of the age of criminal liability for children is a "major concern" for the German church leaders. 

In a letter, the bishops also called on Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel "to step up the critical dialogue" with the Philippine government "in the current, politically decisive phase."

They asked the German government to ensure that human rights situation in the Philippines "does not deteriorate."

Earlier, the Austrian Catholic Bishops' Conference joined their Filipino counterparts in criticizing human rights abuses in the Philippines as a result of the government's war on drugs. 

The Austrian bishops also said they share the "fundamental concerns" of Filipino church leaders and "supports their firm advocacy for justice."

Early this month, 45 of the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council called on the Philippines to end the killings and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

 

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