Written By Becky Kells, Editor, AllAboutLaw

The Day of the Endangered Lawyer – professionals unite in solidarity with Egyptian lawyers

Written By Becky Kells, Editor, AllAboutLaw

24 January marks the Day of the Endangered Lawyer – an annual commendation of professionals across the world who do not have the freedom to practice law without persecution.

Lawyers in certain parts of the world are unable to practice without risk of harassment, imprisonment and even murder. Egypt was the focus for 2018’s Day of the Endangered Lawyer: those who are practicing law or campaigning for human rights face travel bans and prosecution, with some being subject to prison sentences.

Egyptian human rights defender Dr Nancy Okail said: "In a damning report, Amnesty International has reported that repression in Egypt has reached unprecedented levels, with shocking numbers of forced disappearances, torture deaths, and pre-trial detentions that exceed the legal limit of detainees.

“Because the regime is fully aware of the scale of these atrocities, they work to silence those who document, support or defend the victims of such repressive means.”

In the UK, professional bodies expressed their support for persecuted lawyers elsewhere in the world. Law Society president Joe Egan said: “We honour the courage and commitment of lawyers around the world who uphold justice, despite considerable risk to themselves, their colleagues, and families.

“Lawyers must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without interference and should never be identified with their clients or clients' causes.”

The Bar Council and the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) also expressed support and solidarity for persecuted lawyers around the world.

Andrew Walker QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: “Through the intimidation of lawyers, authorities dismantle and undermine the fundamental freedoms of their citizens. For the rule of law to exist, citizens (and others) must have a right of access to an independent lawyer who is able to defend their freedoms without fear or interference, and to ensure that their individual rights are protected against abuses and excesses of power by the state and by those acting in its name.”

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