MANILA, Philippines – After nearly seven years in jail, former Philippine senator and human rights campaigner Leila de Lima is now free, praying for her safety as she seeks justice against President Rodrigo Duterte, whom she referred to as a “mass murderer”. De Lima was a vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, which sparked an international investigation into possible crimes against humanity, before she was released on bail less than two weeks ago.

During a face-to-face interview at AFP’s office in Manila, de Lima expressed her relief at being free but also shared her concerns for her safety, fearing retaliation from Duterte. She had spent a decade investigating “death squad” killings allegedly orchestrated by Duterte during his time as Davao City mayor and in the early days of his presidency.

Before her arrest in 2017, de Lima was forced from the Senate and jailed on three drug trafficking charges that she and human rights groups have described as bogus. Two of the charges have been dismissed. Now free and out of jail, de Lima is planning to file lawsuits against Duterte and others with the appropriate agencies, such as the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman.

Being held at the national police headquarters in a compound reserved for high-profile prisoners, de Lima maintained her physical and mental strength through prayer, exercise, reading books, and staying up to date with the news. She also cared for stray cats and was allowed to take five of them home.

Following her release, de Lima was reunited with her 91-year-old bedridden mother after years of separation. Despite the toll that nearly seven years in jail has taken on her, de Lima is determined to continue her fight for justice and accountability. She plans to return to practicing and teaching law, while also aiding the International Criminal Court’s probe into Duterte’s drug war.

As de Lima looks ahead, she hopes Duterte, 78, will face the wheels of justice either in the Philippines or in The Hague, while she continues to pursue those responsible for her prosecution. While her return to politics might be possible, de Lima is focused on seeking justice and making sure that those responsible for the alleged injustices against her are held accountable.