BHRC calls for Zimbabwe to cease state violence and protect the rights of children amid concern for fair trials and freedom of expression

BHRC has issued a public statement regarding the current and ongoing situation in Zimbabwe, following a national protest called for by trade union, civic and church leaders. In its statement, BHRC raises concern over reports of shootings and beatings of civilians and the detention of large numbers of people, including children. There is also concern for fair...

The Bar Human Rights Committee joined other professional bodies in raising concern for the safety of Colombian Lawyer Daniel Prado Albarracin, currently representing victims of crimes committed by the paramilitary group “The 12 Apostles.” The open letter was sent to the President of the Republic of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, and was signed by BHRC, the...

BHRC has issued a public statement expressing serious concern at the recent arrests by Turkish authorities of academics and activists. The arrests appear consistent with a sustained attack on dissent as a means of silencing critical voices within Turkey. On 16 November 2018 fourteen high-profile activists and academics were arrested in Turkey. Turkish authorities issued...

In response to reports that Asia Bibi’s lawyer, Saif Ul Malook, has received death threats and been granted temporary asylum in the Netherlands, legal leaders in England and Wales have made the following statements.   Andrew Walker QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: “No lawyer, in any jurisdiction, should fear intimidation or violence for doing...

On the 16th World Day Against the Death Penalty, BHRC has issued a statement raising awareness about conditions of confinement in Bahrain, Egypt, Jamaica and the United States–countries where BHRC has taken an active role in advocating against the death penalty. In its statement, BHRC reaffirms its condemnation of the death penalty in all circumstances and...

BHRC sends joint submission to Special Rapporteur on Judges and Lawyers regarding the situation of lawyers in Turkey

The Bar Human Rights Committee alongside the Law Society of England and Wales and the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute have sent a joint submission to the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers concerning the independence of the legal profession in Turkey. The submission raised concern for the fair trial rights of lawyers...

Following a mass trial of 759 individuals, on 8 September 2018, the Cairo Criminal Court from a courthouse attached to the Tora prison complex, handed down 75 death penalties, 45 life sentences and terms of imprisonment ranging 5-15 years for the remaining. The cases against five people who died in prison were dismissed. BHRC joins the...

BHRC has issued a statement raising concern for the continued detention of human rights lawyers on the third anniversary of the 709 Crackdown, a nationwide programme of arrests beginning on 9 July 2015. During the period of a few weeks, nearly 250 Chinese human rights lawyers, their staff and human rights defenders were arrested and...