Nationwide Lawyer Protests Halted as Police Maintain Heavy Presence at Legal Society Headquarters
Planned nationwide demonstrations by legal professionals were effectively neutralized on Monday after law enforcement maintained a significant presence at the organization’s central offices in the capital city.
The protests were originally called to condemn the alleged assault of a prominent lawyer during a court hearing involving a national political party chairman. The lawyer, who also leads the party’s youth wing, was reportedly beaten by police officers while attempting to conduct legal proceedings.
Following the incident, the Legal Society’s Governing Council had resolved to stage peaceful demonstrations across the country to demand accountability and denounce the attack. However, police forces warned against the protests, citing security concerns related to ongoing election campaign activities.
In the capital, more than 20 police officers and five vehicles were strategically positioned outside the Legal Society’s headquarters, effectively preventing any planned demonstrations. By late afternoon, continuous police patrols maintained a tight security perimeter.
The Legal Society’s leadership criticized the deployment, suggesting that such resources could be more effectively utilized in addressing critical social issues like tracing missing persons. They emphasized their commitment to continuing their professional mandate while protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.
Legal experts and human rights organizations condemned the police action, arguing that no legitimate reasons were provided for surrounding the professional offices. They urged immediate withdrawal of officers and called for peaceful resolution of the ongoing tensions.
Across regional offices, planned protests were suspended following ongoing discussions between the Legal Society’s leadership and senior judicial authorities. Regional chairpersons confirmed that talks are underway to address the concerns, with an agreement to resolve the matter within seven days.
The postponement reflects a strategic approach to addressing professional grievances through dialogue rather than confrontation, highlighting the complex dynamics between legal professionals and law enforcement in the current political landscape.
