Kenya/Canada: Kenyan Lawyers Wear Yellow Ribbons to Protest Court Actions

February 12, 2018

Kenyan lawyers are donning yellow ribbons this week to protest what they say are violations of the rule of law in the wake of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s self-inauguration late last month. Odinga has rejected a call from Western diplomats to recognize Uhuru Kenyatta as the legitimately elected president.

Some lawyers in courts could be seen wearing a yellow ribbon Monday, as a way to show their displeasure with the state and some government officials for failing to obey several court orders.

Isaac Okero, president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), said the idea is to “embark on this campaign to protest high levels of impunity and specifically, when it reaches a point where state and public officers can flagrantly disobey court orders, then we know we are in dangerous waters.”

The LSK said it suspended a plan to boycott the court sessions and that it is still consulting with its members.

Recently, Miguna Miguna, a lawyer who had a prominent role in Odinga’s self-inauguration on January 30, was arrested. He faced treason charges. But while the court ordered his release, the government failed to comply and sent him to Canada. Miguna holds Kenyan and Canadian citizenship.

…

https://www.voanews.com/a/kenyan-lawyers-wear-yellow-ribbons-protest-court-actions/4250061.html

http://mwakilishi.com/article/diaspora-news/2018-02-12/miguna-miguna-files-petition-to-challenge-his-deportation-to

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001269452/miguna-makes-good-his-threat-sues-over-deportation-citizenship

https://hivisasa.com/posts/jubilee-warned-over-crackdown-on-nasa-leaders

https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenyans-in-US-protest-outside-UN-office-/1056-4302130-85xnyxz/index.html

http://www.eldiariodecoahuila.com.mx/internacional/2018/2/12/buscan-presidente-kenia-reconocido-711940.html (ESPANOL)

#ObeyTheLaw #ObeyCourtOrders #MigunaMiguna

Maldives: Ex-Leader, Judges Wanted To Overthrow Government

February 12, 2018

Maldives Officials Are Accusing Two Arrested Supreme Court Justices And A Former President Of Plotting To Overthrow The Government

Maldives officials are accusing two arrested Supreme Court justices and a former president of plotting to overthrow the government. They say police have found more than USD 200,000 in suspicious money in searches since a state of emergency was declared last week in the tourist haven.

A presidential statement yesterday said ex-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had bribed officials and judges and encouraged riots. It said he and the justices were “attempting to overthrow the government.” Opposition leaders rejected the accusations, saying President Yameen Abdul Gayoom is trying to weaken his political opponents.

Political chaos has shaken the government since the Supreme Court ordered that a group of imprisoned opposition leaders be freed. The government pushed back, eventually declaring a state of emergency and arresting the two justices, Gayoom and other politicians.

…

https://www.mid-day.com/articles/maldives-ex-leader-judges-wanted-to-overthrow-government/19056175

http://www.menafn.com/1096456836/UN-group-says-rule-of-law-under-siege-in-Maldives

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/659180/china-rejects-allegations-land-grabbing.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/02/12/how-is-trade-with-china-related-to-the-state-of-emergency-in-maldives-heres-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_term=.bce9e32699d8

http://www.thedailystar.net/world/north-america/rule-law-under-siege-maldives-1533991

http://www.nycbar.org/media-listing/media/detail/new-york-city-bar-association-issues-statement-on-the-state-of-emergency-in-the-maldives-including-the-arrest-of-two-supreme-court-justices

http://www.supremecourt.gov.mv/eng/?decision=eng

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_Maldives

Turkey: Newsletter | The Persecution on Turkish Lawyers (5-12 Feb)

February 12, 2018

February, 10 | Kayseri | LAWYER COUPLE WERE SENTENCED TO LONG IMPRISONMENT 

Kayseri 2nd High Penal Court sentenced lawyer Suleyman Gurkok who was president of the shuttered law association named “Anadolu Hukuk Dernegi” eight years and nine months in prison, the court also sentenced his wife lawyer Sibel Gurkok to six years and 3 months in prison. Both lawyers were convicted of being the member of the armed terrorist organisation.

11 members of Kayseri Bar Association so far have been sentenced to long imprisonment because of sham terrorism accusations.

…

AYDIN | LAWYER YALCIN KAYAALTI WAS SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS IN PRISON

Aydin 2nd High Penal Court sentenced lawyer Yalçın Kayaaltı nine years in prison because of the identities on his clients.  As reported by the local media, lawyer Mr Kayaalti was sentenced, because of representing some private companies who had being operating private schools and dormitories before shut down with the decree law.

…

Newsletter | The Persecution on Turkish Lawyers (5-12 Feb)

Erdogan Regime grasps control of the recruitment mechanism for the profession of law with the cooperation of Metin Feyzioglu.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P8-RC-2018-0082&format=XML&language=EN

Turkey’s Humanitarian Crisis Brought The ECtHR Into Disrepute

Burma: Suspected U Ko Ni killers to face death

February 12, 2018

THE Yangon Region North District Court has allowed the prosecution of three accused killers of prominent lawyer U Ko Ni for the charge of murder, a prosecution lawyer said.

The judge decided last Friday to try the accused Kyi Lin, the suspected gunman, and two of his accomplices – Aung Zaw Win and Zayar Phyo – for violations that carries a maximum penalty of death under penal code 302(1)(b), according to lawyer U Khin Maung Htay.

Aside from the charge of murder, Kyi Lin and Aung Win Zaw are also charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

…

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/suspected-u-ko-ni-killers-face-death.html

https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/prosecution-offers-drop-charges-swe-win-apologises-u-wirathu.html

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/founders-defend-name-four-eights-party.html

https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/u-ko-ni-murder-suspect-freed-on-bail.html

http://www.dvb.no/news/alleged-co-conspirator-ko-ni-assassination-granted-bail/79870

https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/daw-aung-san-suu-kyi-says-rule-law-must-come-first.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Ni

Nigeria: LAW‘My worst moment was when police assaulted me’

February 12, 2018

She is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she obtained LL.B in 2014. Chiamaka Caroline Nwangwu, who was a victim of police brutality penultimate week, told JOHN CHIKEZIE how her journey into the profession of members of the wig and gown began

Background
She is from Anambra state. Chiamaka Caroline Nwangwu obtained an LL.B degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2014.
In 2015, she obtained her Barrister at Law and she was called to the Bar.
She said: “My name is Chiamaka Caroline Nwangwu. I am a native of Ajalli in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State. I am from a very small family comprised my father, a retired broker, mother, a retired Administrator General of Public Trustee in Anambra State.
“My only brother, who is a medical doctor and my humble self, grew up and lived part of our lives in Onitsha. I attended All Saints’ Primary School and later proceeded to Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha for my post-primary education.
“I was called to the Bar in 2015 after my LL.B in 2014 from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNEC Campus.”

…

Embarrassing moment
Yes of course, but it’s part of the profession. My most awful moment was when I was assaulted and beaten up by police officers while attempting to secure my client’s bail. Although it was a terrible experience for me, it, however, made me stronger, broadened my legal knowledge and solidified my courage in the legal profession.
I only hope and will make sure that my colleagues, especially young lawyers like me do not face such embarrassment because such stories if not tackled will end up soiling our nobility. We can’t just be Intimidated while carrying out our duties at the Police Station.

…

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/02/worst-moment-police-assaulted/

http://thirdeye247.com/dpo-lawyers-fued-nba-got-it-all-wrong-pcrc/

The Philippines: Lawyer who filed case vs Duterte in ICC fears for life

February 12, 2018

The lawyer who brought charges against President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC) admitted on Sunday that he felt “tremendous pressure” from the implications—and consequences—of what he may have set in motion.

“I always assume my life is in danger, especially now that my enemy is not only the President,” said Jude Josue Sabio, who lodged the complaint accusing Mr. Duterte of  mass murder of suspects and criminals in his brutal war on drugs.

“He (Mr. Duterte) has tentacles everywhere and they are killers,” the University of the Philippines law graduate said in an interview with the Inquirer.

Fight for justice

Addressing critics who question his motives, the 51-year-old Sabio said: “My purpose is not to destroy him (the President), embarrass him, or shame him. My purpose is to fight for justice.”

Besides his personal safety, Sabio said he feared for the lives of his clients, confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) hit men Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascañas, both of whom had turned whistleblowers and were now fugitives.

Both men are facing outstanding warrants of arrest and have been in hiding for several months after appearing in a Senate inquiry and detailing the alleged activities of the DDS in Mr. Duterte’s hometown.

…

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/967986/lawyer-who-filed-case-vs-duterte-in-icc-fears-for-life

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/08/icc-claims-crimes-against-humanity-duterte-philippines

https://beta.philstar.com/headlines/2018/02/08/1785825/matobato-lawyer-welcomes-icc-preliminary-examination-drug-war

http://time.com/5141039/icc-hague-venezuela-philippines/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/rodrigo-duterte-philippines-war-drugs-international-criminal-court-investigation-a8201781.html

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/643084/report-threats-to-police-palace-tells-lawyer-who-brought-case-vs-duterte-to-icc/story/

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2018/02/12/palace-sabio-no-reason-feel-unsafe-588561

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2018/02/12/palace-no-ill-will-vs-lawyer-in-icc-case-vs-duterte/

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/968263/sabio-told-go-to-pnp-if-you-feel-at-risk

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2018/02/13/war-on-drugs-continues-says-duterte/

http://www.manilatimes.net/icc-project-shows-trillanes-yellows-depth-depravity-utter-lack-patriotism/380025/

http://www.manilatimes.net/early-panic-icc-process/380027/

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/968472/calida-icc-has-no-mandate-to-probe-duterte

https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/196037-duterte-supporters-swarm-icc-facebook-page

https://www.icc-cpi.int/philippines

https://www.icc-cpi.int/

http://www.xeu.com.mx/nota.cfm?id=950053 (ESPANOL)

https://news.zing.vn/duterte-nhan-gui-toa-hinh-su-quoc-te-ban-toi-di-dung-bo-tu-post818700.html (VIETNAMESE)

https://news.zing.vn/trump-soc-khi-hay-tin-tro-ly-bao-hanh-vo-cu-post819119.html (VIETNAMESE)

http://sp.beritasatu.com/internasional/pengadilan-pidana-internasional-akan-selidiki-duterte/122732 (INDONESIAN)

Kenya: Breaking: Lawyer Haron Ndubi arrested

February 12, 2018

Human rights lawyer Haron Ndubi has been arrested.

Reports say Ndubi was arrested on Sunday night in Nairobi and taken to Kileleshwa police station.

Confirming the incident, Nairobi police commandant Japheth Koome said Ndubi who is enjoined in the ongoing Miguna Miguna treason case as an interested party representing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), was driving while drunk before the arrest.

“He parked the vehicle in the middle of the road. He slept in the vehicle, very drunk. He was arrested. He is in custody, and he is going to court this morning for driving under the influence of alcohol,” Koome told Nation on Monday morning.

However, fellow activists say he was drugged prior to his arrest along Jakaya Kikwete Road at 8.45 pm.

During the October 26th fresh presidential election petition, Ndubi was a lead counsel together with Julie Soweto. They, however, lost the petition after the Supreme Court upheld President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election.

Activist Al-Amin Kimathi sent out the below message immediately after the arrest.

“EMERGENCY ALERT 2335 Human rights lawyer Haron Ndubi in critical condition at Kileleshwa police station.

Info is that he was found drugged near state house but instead of taking him to the hospital the Kilimani OCPD who “arrested” him took him to Kileleshwa in that bad state. Help!”

https://hivisasa.com/posts/breaking-lawyer-haron-ndubi-arrested?source=feed

https://www.kenya-today.com/news/brreaking-general-miguna-lawyer-harun-ndubi-found-critical-condition-drugged-statehouse-operatives

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001269391/lawyer-detained-for-parking-and-sleeping-on-road-near-state-house

https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Lawyer-Haron-Ndubi-arrested-driving-drunk/1056-4300960-omncprz/index.html

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/02/12/lawyer-harun-ndubi-arrested-for-drunk-driving_c1712887

http://zipo.co.ke/29796/haron-ndubi-pleads-drunk-driving-charges-night-police-cells/

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ureport/article/2001269447/harun-ndubi-s-arrest-sparks-hot-debate-among-netizens

https://hivisasa.com/posts/statement-miguna-breaks-silence-on-denouncing-kenyan-citizenship

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001269427/lawyer-harun-ndubi-denies-drunk-driving-released-on-sh30-000-bail

https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Human-rights-lawyer-Harun-Ndubi-denies-charges-granted-bail/1056-4301142-12jxv11z/index.html

#MigunaMiguna

Bangladesh: SCBA president, secretary get bail

February 11, 2018

The High Court today granted anticipatory bail to Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Advocate Zainul Abedin and its Secretary Barrister KM Mahbubuddin Khokon in three separate criminal cases.

The cases were filed with Ramna Police Station on charges of preventing law enforcers from discharging their duties during the agitation by BNP-led alliance on February 8 when a lower court convicted and sentenced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a corruption case.

Today, the HC granted bail to Zainul and Khokon, also vice-chairman and joint secretary general of BNP respectively, till submission of the police report to the lower court in the cases.

…

http://www.thedailystar.net/politics/bangladesh-supreme-court-bar-association-scba-president-secretary-get-bail-criminal-cases-khaleda-zia-verdict-corruption-february-8-1533013

http://scba.org.bd/

France: Le tribunal risque-t-il de disparaître ?

le 12 février, 2018

Un tribunal judiciaire par département. Tel est le projet du gouvernement. Les justiciables du pays de Montbéliard vont-ils devoir aller jusqu’à Besançon ? Riposte des avocats montbéliardais par une journée « justice morte » ce lundi.

La réforme de la carte judiciaire préparée par la ministre de la Justice Nicole Belloubet fait ruer dans les brancards personnels et auxiliaires de justice, avocats, magistrats et greffiers. L’affaire fait du barouf dans la chaumière respectée et respectable de l’ordre des avocats de Montbéliard qui a décrété le lundi 12 février « journée justice morte ». Si un mouvement national est prévu le 15 février en réponse à la présentation, le même jour, du projet de loi, les 42 avocats du barreau montbéliardais seront solidaires mais entament plus tôt les hostilités.

Audiences au point mort lundi

Il faut donc s’attendre lundi à une journée « au point mort » au palais de justice de la rue Mozart avec, faute d’avocats, des affaires reportées ou des audiences carrément annulées.

Raison(s) de cette fronde ? « La réforme de la carte judiciaire faite en sous-marin », dénonce le bâtonnier Carole Huguet qui participait, le week-end dernier à la conférence des bâtonniers rassemblant les 24 barreaux du Grand Est.

« Le ministère martèle qu’il n’y a aucune raison de s’inquiéter puisque la réforme ne prévoit aucune fermeture de juridiction. Sauf qu’il vide de sa substance le tribunal de Montbéliard ».

Sur le credo d’une meilleure « visibilité », le ministère propose un tribunal de première instance par département.

…

http://www.estrepublicain.fr/edition-belfort-hericourt-montbeliard/2018/02/12/le-tribunal-risque-t-il-de-disparaitre-cpxj

https://www.dalloz-actualite.fr/flash/15-fevrier-journee-d-action-du-monde-judiciaire-contre-chantiers-de-justice#.WoFY–jOXIU

http://www.toutmontbeliard.com/2018/02/12/projet-de-suppression-du-tribunal-de-grande-instance-de-montbeliard/

https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/actu/nouvelle-robe-noire-au-barreau

https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/saint-nazaire-44600/saint-nazaire-les-avocats-appeles-se-mobiliser-jeudi-15-fevrier-5559256

https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/grand-est/moselle/thionville/avocats-thionville-bloquent-acces-au-tribunal-1422217.html

https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bourgogne-franche-comte/montbeliard-avocats-manifestent-s-opposer-reforme-carte-judiciaire-1422349.html

https://actu.fr/societe/9-syndicats-magistrats-avocats-appellent-une-journee-daction-15-fevrier-cahors-dans-lot_15492734.html

http://www.estrepublicain.fr/edition-belfort-hericourt-montbeliard/2018/02/12/ne-balance-pas-mon-tribunal

http://www.affiches-parisiennes.com/acces-a-la-justice-et-organisation-territoriale-des-juridictions-7728.html

http://www.lequotidien.lu/a-la-une/moselle-greve-des-avocats-contre-le-projet-de-reforme-de-la-carte-judiciaire/

http://lessor69.fr/le-conseil-des-prud-hommes-reforme-et-renouvele-19944.html

https://www.deltafm.fr/info-locale/dunkerquois/dunkerque/confiants-avocats-dunkerquois-poursuivent-mouvement/

https://www.lamanchelibre.fr/actualite-466913-manche-les-avocats-appeles-a-manifester-a-coutances-contre-le-projet-de-reforme-de-la-justice

http://www.lequotidien.lu/a-la-une/moselle-greve-des-avocats-contre-le-projet-de-reforme-de-la-carte-judiciaire/

http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/grande_region/story/Des-avocats-ont-manifeste-devant-des-tribunaux-31556234

http://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/edition-de-briey/2018/02/12/briey-et-longwy-bientot-1000-signatures-en-faveur-du-maintien-des-tribunaux

http://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/edition-de-thionville-hayange/2018/02/12/photos-greve-des-avocats-de-thionville#0_0

https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/tout_public_Sauvez_le_Tribunal_de_Grande_Instance_dALES/(SIGNEZ LA PETITION!)

https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/tout_public_SAUVEZ_LES_TRIBUNAUX_DE_LONGWY_ET_BRIEY/?aZgtJab (SIGNEZ LA PETITION!)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYAoke-LGvKlQVIp5rWqhD34uUiWCq0L0C8k7Eop222k54jg/viewform?c=0&w=1 (SIGNEZ LA PETITION SVP!)

https://www.unepetition.fr/mobilisationpourlajustice (SIGNEZ LA PETITION!)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1965523327033138/

https://www.facebook.com/Sauvez-Les-Tribunaux-De-Longwy-Et-Briey-164205770879782/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1355851691185535/

#Cartejudiciaire #Réforme #Justiceprocheducitoyen #Touchepasamacour

Maldives: Concerns over ‘fragile democracy’ in Maldives

February 11, 2018

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said that democracy, progress and public security in the crisis-hit Maldives are in a fragile state and called on the government to revert back to the law.
In a statement last week, Annan raised concerns over the actions of President Abdulla Yameen’s regime regarding independent institutions, which he claimed were in violation of the spirit of democracy.
Annan also expressed alarm over the government’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court’s shock ruling on February 1, in which the five justices had unanimously ordered the release of nine prominent political leaders including former exiled president Mohamed Nasheed, en.mihaaru.com reported.
Annan urged the Maldivian government to stop intimidating judges and to execute the top court’s verdict to free the politicians and lift the ongoing state of emergency.
He further said that the presidential elections slated for this year “must be held with the participation of independent institutions”.
“The world must not remain complacent in this issue,” the former UN chief said.

…

http://www.gulf-times.com/story/581337/Concerns-over-fragile-democracy-in-Maldives

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/understanding-maldives/542311.html

Patience is key

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/280113-political-as-opposed-to-legal

https://www.oneindia.com/international/maldives-crisis-police-releases-additional-evidence-against-justice-ali-hameed-mohamed-2639938.html

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/un-group-says-rule-of-law-under-siege-in-maldives-crisis-2506425.html

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maldives-politics/u-n-group-says-rule-of-law-under-siege-in-maldives-crisis-idUSKBN1FW1CU

http://www.supremecourt.gov.mv/eng/?decision=eng

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_Maldives