Persecution of lawyers
In many Eastern European countries, the work of a lawyer is fraught with many risks: murders and attempted assassinations, criminal prosecution, beatings, threats, pressure on relatives, illegal searches, surveillance, attempts to withhold licenses of attorneys, and slanderous media campaigns. Legislation deficiencies in professional activities of counsels, ineffective law enforcement agencies, and the difficult general situation with respect for human rights all subject lawyers to danger.
The tightening trend of authoritarian regimes insome of the eastern countries is accompanied by an increase in the number of cases of political repression. Lawyers involved in politically motivated cases become, in turn, victims of persecution and pressure.
Several examples are the cases of lawyers being prosecuted in Russia, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Ukraine, as well as cases of prosecution in the territory of European countries (Belgium, Czech Republic) by extra-European authoritarian regimes (Kazakhstan).
News
Discussing the rule of law in Poland with OSCE PA rights leaders
1 February 2022
ODF welcomes persecuted Polish judges and prosecutors in Brussels
16 December 2019
Open Dialogue Foundation at the OSCE HDIM 2019
15 October 2019Publications
Polish Public Prosecutor’s Office: Selected Cases of Malicious Prosecution and Dereliction of Duties
16 February 2022
