The Statement addresses some of the critical challenges faced by lawyers there in practising their profession, in particular the cases of lawyers who have been intimidated or subject to disciplinary proceedings and criminal prosecution. There is consistent systematic failure to implement ECHR Judgments on disbarment and denial of admission to the local Bar Associations.
The ECBA members unite their voices to raise awareness about the number of lawyers who are being harassed, silenced, pressured, threatened and persecuted. We consider that:
The role and duty of lawyers to represent their clients must be respected;
No executive or judicial authority should initiate or threaten lawyers with criminal, administrative, economic, or other sanctions, for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics;
It is an absolute necessity for us to initiate and further develop national and international synergies and undertake the necessary action about ways to protect lawyers.
Click here for the petition.