*/
The Bar Council and Bar Human Rights Committee (BHRC) highlighted the plight of persecuted lawyers in Egypt to mark the eighth International Day of Endangered Lawyers, as the profession remembered lawyers at risk around the world.
Growing reports show that the Egyptian government continues to issue travel bans, freeze assets and detain human rights lawyers, as part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and undermine their work.
Prominent figures facing persecution include Azza Soliman, a women’s rights lawyer and co-founder of the Centre for Egyptian Women’s Legal Assistance, Malek Adly, a human rights lawyer and director of Lawyers Network at the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, and Khaled Ali, a workers’ rights lawyer.
Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC said: ‘Through the intimidation of lawyers, authorities dismantle and undermine the fundamental freedoms of their citizens.’
He said: ‘The Bar Council along with BHRC stands in solidarity with those lawyers across the world, and in particular the lawyers of Egypt, who show courage and determination in striving to uphold the rule of law in the face of persecution.’
The two organisations also called on the Iranian authorities to release lawyers detained there, including Abdolfattah Soltani and Narges Mohammadi.
In a letter to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, they expressed ‘profound concern for lawyers and other human rights defenders in Iran who continue to be persecuted for undertaking their professional obligations to their clients’.
BHRC Chair, Kirsty Brimelow QC said: ‘Iran has an international legal obligation to allow its lawyers freedom to perform their professional functions. It is in breach of that obligation.’
She said she hoped that President Rouhani would address the issue as a matter of urgency.
The Bar Council and Bar Human Rights Committee (BHRC) highlighted the plight of persecuted lawyers in Egypt to mark the eighth International Day of Endangered Lawyers, as the profession remembered lawyers at risk around the world.
Growing reports show that the Egyptian government continues to issue travel bans, freeze assets and detain human rights lawyers, as part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and undermine their work.
Prominent figures facing persecution include Azza Soliman, a women’s rights lawyer and co-founder of the Centre for Egyptian Women’s Legal Assistance, Malek Adly, a human rights lawyer and director of Lawyers Network at the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, and Khaled Ali, a workers’ rights lawyer.
Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC said: ‘Through the intimidation of lawyers, authorities dismantle and undermine the fundamental freedoms of their citizens.’
He said: ‘The Bar Council along with BHRC stands in solidarity with those lawyers across the world, and in particular the lawyers of Egypt, who show courage and determination in striving to uphold the rule of law in the face of persecution.’
The two organisations also called on the Iranian authorities to release lawyers detained there, including Abdolfattah Soltani and Narges Mohammadi.
In a letter to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, they expressed ‘profound concern for lawyers and other human rights defenders in Iran who continue to be persecuted for undertaking their professional obligations to their clients’.
BHRC Chair, Kirsty Brimelow QC said: ‘Iran has an international legal obligation to allow its lawyers freedom to perform their professional functions. It is in breach of that obligation.’
She said she hoped that President Rouhani would address the issue as a matter of urgency.
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
