Thursday 22 November 2007

Attacking Law and Lawyers

Judges and Lawyers: Defenders of Democratic Values
The Crisis in Pakistan is Our Crisis
Date: 22 November 2007
Time: 6.00pmVenue: Law Society
Speakers include:Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC
Other speakers tbc
The declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan and the arrest anddetention of judges and lawyers is a violation of human rights and an assaulton the rule of law. What is currently taking place in Pakistan is of vitalconcern to lawyers all over the world. The consequence of this direct attackon judges and lawyers, as defenders against arbitrary government, is anattack on democracy and democratic values. With this violence against juristshas come the denial of basic guarantees of fair trial rights, protection fromunlawful detention and the absolute prohibition on torture. This attack onlaw and lawyers is the prelude to capricious government of doubtfullegitimacy, which undermines the security of us all.
This event organised by the Human Rights Lawyers Association and the LawSociety will analyse and explain the recent events in Pakistan from the perspective of human rights law. It will show how human rights are beingviolated and what must be done to remedy those violations. It will identifyhow events in Pakistan will not progress in the absence of a human rightsframework to restore the rule of law and democracy.There will be plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion and debate
The event is free. To register, please email DDelgado@barcouncil.org.uk
Please forward this email on to others who may be interested in attendingIf you wish to sign the Law Society petition, please go to: www.lawsociety.org.uk/pakistanpetition

Kind regards

Domonique Delgado
HRLA Administrator
The General Council of the Bar
289-293 High Holborn
London WC1V 2HZ
Tel: 020 7242 1289

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