OIAD statement denouncing threats against French lawyers who signed an op-ed against the Rassemblement National (National Rally – far-right party)

The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger (OIAD) strongly condemns the very serious threats published on 3 July 2024 on the far-right website RESEAU LIBRE, calling for the elimination of a number of lawyers who signed an op-ed in the run-up to the French parliamentary elections in June-July 2024.

The far-right group openly threatened the French lawyers who signed the letter, describing them as “lawyers to be eliminated”, and “to be sent to a ditch and a stadium”, adding that “[a] vast majority of lawyers need to be neutralised”.

The OIAD vigorously condemns the dissemination of these hate messages against a profession that stands as a watchdog for freedoms and the rule of law.

The OIAD is deeply concerned by these events and condemns the intimidation of lawyers in France.

The OIAD recalls that “lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization” (Principle 23[1]).

The OIAD also recalls article 19, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that “1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. 2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.”

The OIAD expresses its full solidarity and support to the threatened lawyers and to all the representative bodies of the French Bar.

The OIAD fully supports any action taken by the Conseil National des Barreaux (CNB), the Paris Bar Association and all French bar associations.

The OIAD seeks the investigation and punishment of those responsible for these serious threats, as well as the protection of the lawyers threatened, with the necessary guarantees.

[1] Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.