Concerns about disciplinary proceedings against lawyers who have signed a public statement against the war in Ukraine
Belarus
In letters to the Belarusian Republican Bar Association, the Minsk City Bar Association, and the Minsk Regional Bar Association, Lawyers for Lawyers has expressed concern about the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against lawyers who have signed a public statement (Petition) against the war in Ukraine.
The Petition against the war in Ukraine was created on 28 February 2022 and has been signed by amongst others, lawyers, former bar members who were previously deprived of their licenses as well as a number of current bar members.
According to our information, on 10 and 11 March 2022, the council of the Minsk Regional Bar Association and the council of the Minsk City Bar Association initiated disciplinary proceedings against some of the lawyers who signed the Petition.
Also, we have received reports that officials of these Bar Associations demanded that lawyers withdrew their signatures under the Petition or explain their reasons for signing the Petition.
We have called upon the abovementioned bar associations to review and annul the decision to start disciplinary proceedings against the lawyers who have signed the Petition, and abstain from any further measures that would constitute improper interference with their professional activities.
Click here to read a copy of the letter.