The Bar Council of England & Wales is urging President
Hassan Rouhani of Iran to send a clear message to the world that
the republic is committed to the rule of law. The call comes
following the arrest of more lawyers in Iran over the last two
months, including two human rights lawyers, Qassem Sholeh Sadi
and Arash Kaykhosravi.
Chair of the Bar, Andrew Walker QC, said: "The
Iranian authorities' continued policy of arresting lawyers in Iran
simply for representing their clients is unconstitutional. Iranian
citizens have the right to a fair trial under the republic's
constitution, and that is put in jeopardy if Iranian lawyers
cannot be independent and treated as such in facilitating that
right, especially where those lawyers face personal threats against
them at the hands of the state.
"With global attention currently so focused on Iran, President Hassan Rouhani - himself a lawyer - has an opportunity to demonstrate to the UN and the world Iran's commitment to the rule of law.
"No lawyer, in any jurisdiction, should fear arrest for doing their job. The Bar Council urges the Iranian government to release those lawyers who have been arrested for carrying out their professional duties and to revoke policies and laws which run contrary to the concept of an independent legal profession."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Further information is available from the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525 and [email protected].
The Bar Council represents barristers in England and Wales. It promotes:
The Bar's high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services
Fair access to justice for all
The highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession, and
The development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.