Urgent action is needed to protect freedom of expression for lawyers, who face growing intimidation and harassment globally.
So declares the Law Society in a report published yesterday: When Lawyers are Silenced: How restrictions on lawyers’ expression undermine rights, justice and democracy.
Through real-life examples, the report illustrates how lawyers are persecuted for speaking out in support of equal access to justice and human rights.
Violations identified include ongoing criminal proceedings against the leadership of the Istanbul Bar Association, initiated following a call by the association for an independent investigation into the deaths of two journalists in Syria. Prosecutors subsequently accused them of ‘terrorist propaganda’ and ‘disseminating misleading information’.
Society president Mark Evans said: ‘The intimidation and harassment of lawyers worldwide is extremely concerning, and urgent action is needed to protect freedom of expression in the legal profession. If lawyers are not protected, the justice system collapses and every single one of us will become vulnerable to injustice. One by one, all of our communities will be adversely affected.
‘We call on governments to respect and protect lawyers’ rights in line with international law and to condemn all acts of violence, threats or reprisals against lawyers doing their job.’
The Society’s recommendations include reviewing legislation to ensure national laws reflect the protections of freedom of expression guaranteed under international law. Chancery Lane also calls for the ‘immediate and unconditional’ release of all lawyers who are detained ‘solely for carrying out their professional duties’.
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