The Law Society of Ireland, the representative body for solicitors, has written a strongly worded letter to the ambassador of Pakistan denouncing its government for its recent actions, in particular its treatment of judges and lawyers. Carol Coulter, Legal Affairs Editor, reports.
This follows the suspension of the constitution by the country's president, Gen Pervez Musharraff, on November 3rd last, and his sacking of the chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry, and many other senior judges. Mr Justice Chaudhry was placed under house arrest.
These actions were met by large-scale protests from judges and lawyers, who were attacked by police and arrested in their hundreds. Mr Justice Chaudhry appealed from house arrest to the lawyers to fight to restore the constitution and the rule of law.
The Law Society's president, James McGuill, stated in his letter to the ambassador that he was acting on the wishes of the membership as expressed at its recent agm in objecting to the Pakistan government's suspension of the constitution and undermining of the rule of law.
"Peaceful protests against this by lawyers and judges in Pakistan have been met by mass arrests and very disturbing allegations of ill-treatment," he said.
"As fellow lawyers we are appalled at the treatment by your government of the legal profession in Pakistan, constituting as it does not only a gross violation of the individual rights of our colleagues but also a denial of fundamental freedoms."
He added that the courage of the judges and lawyers in seeking to uphold and promote the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and basic human rights "is an inspiration to those who seek justice around the globe".
Calling on the government of Pakistan to desist from the undemocratic activities it was pursuing against the lawyers, he added: "While the views of our profession may be considered irrelevant by your president, it is a matter of professional honour for us to speak out in support of colleagues who are being so egregiously mistreated."