Day of the Endangered Lawyer: Legal Heroes Under Fire Worldwide
On January 24, the Law Society of England and Wales marked the Day of the Endangered Lawyer by shining a spotlight on brave lawyers risking everything to defend justice across the globe. Their new annual tracker reveals the grim reality: in 2023 alone, the Society took 40 actions spanning 17 countries to protect lawyers facing harassment, arrests, and worse.
Shocking Stats From the Frontline
The latest tracker shows 58% of interventions were sparked by arbitrary arrests or detentions. Another 27% involved threats, harassment, and violence aimed at silencing these legal defenders.
‘Lawyers Face Torture and Death to Uphold Justice’
Law Society President Nick Emmerson laid it bare: “Across the world, lawyers continue to face harassment, surveillance, detention, torture, enforced disappearance, and arbitrary arrest and conviction. Some are even killed.” He stressed the importance of honouring those who risk their lives to keep the legal system fair.
Lawyers Fight Back Against Intimidation
Despite brutal tactics meant to break them, lawyers remain steadfast. They fight for vulnerable people, human rights, and accountability. Emmerson said it’s vital we focus on the perils legal professionals endure globally to protect the rule of law.
Law Society’s Ongoing Support
Their intervention tracker is part of the Lawyers at Risk programme designed to back those blocked from practicing their profession safely. Emmerson concluded, “The Law Society stands in solidarity with legal professionals around the world. We will continue to work to support them and build strong, fair justice systems everywhere.”
This powerful commitment to protect lawyers under threat is a crucial part of the Society’s mission in defending global justice.
