News – Page 8

Statement on the continued harassment of Crimean human rights defenders and lawyers Rustem Kyamilev and Lilia Hemedzhy

Lawyers for Lawyers, the International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the International Commission of Jurists, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Fédération des Barreaux d’Europe, Front Line Defenders, and the Alliance for Lawyers at Risk strongly condemn the violent raid on 7 November on the home […]

Iran: The OIAD expresses its deep concern following the detention and inhumane treatment of Mohammad Najafi, who has been hospitalised after suffering from a heart condition

Paris, 15 November 2024 – The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger has learned that Iranian lawyer Mohammad Najafi was recently admitted to hospital following a serious heart condition. This hospitalisation occurred in a context of continuous pressure and particularly harsh conditions of detention. Despite his critical condition, Mr Najafi was chained to his hospital bed, […]

Lifting of the moratorium in the DRC: the OIAD co-signs a report highlighting threats against lawyers and human rights defenders

As part of the international day against the death penalty on 10 October, the OIAD has co-signed a report analysing the situation of human rights defenders who have spoken out against the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This report comes as lawyers in the DRC are […]

urkina Faso: The Observatory welcomes the release of Gontran Somé and Christian Kaboré – after 26 days in captivity

Burkinabe lawyers Gontran Somé and Christian Kaboré were kidnapped between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso on 10 October 2024. They were released on 5 November 2024, after 26 days in captivity. Mr Gontran Somé and Mr Christian Kaboré were travelling to Bobo-Dioulasso from Ouagadougou. The lawyers had to change their route due to bad weather, which made the […]

SUDAN: Joint statement for arrested and detained Sudanese Lawyer Montaser Abdullah

The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger (OIAD), Lawyers for Lawyers, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the Institute for the Rule of Law of the International Association of Lawyers, Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe, the Sudanese Defenders Center for Legal Aid, REDRESS and the Law […]

OIAD press release on the Sonia Dahmani trial hearings in Tunisia

Paris, 17 October 2024 – Richard Sédillot, member of the Rouen Bar and Board member of the International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger, travelled to Tunisia from 15 to 20 August and from 8 to 11 September to observe the trial of Sonia Dahmani. The Tunisian lawyer was arrested on 11 May 2024 and sentenced to 1 […]

GUATEMALA: The OIAD alerts the Guatemalan Bar Association about the situation of human rights lawyers in the country

The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger sent a letter on 11 October 2024 to the representatives of the Guatemalan Bar Association and Notaries, requesting a position in support of the persecuted Guatemalan legal profession. This communication refers to the unfortunate news coming from Guatemala regarding the systematic persecution of legal professionals, particularly those who […]

World Day against the Death Penalty: The OIAD and 24 organisations call for universal abolition

The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger co-signed the joint statement calling for the universal abolition of the death penalty, alongside 24 Bars and international organisations, recognising the “inherent dignity of each individual and the fundamental right to life“. Read the joint statement:

Interview with Forough Sheikholeslami Vatani, exiled Iranian lawyer

After becoming a lawyer in Iran and dedicating her practice to human rights, Forough was threatened on several occasions for her activities. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having defended the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement as part of her work. Sheikholeslami Vatani managed to flee her country, bearing the hope that one […]

TUNISIA: Joint statement – Sonia Dahmani sentenced without trial

Sonia Dahmani sentenced on appeal by the Tunisian courts The International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger travelled to Tunisia alongside other defence organisations to attend the appeal trial of Sonia Dahmani. The lawyer was sentenced to 8 months in prison. Read the joint press release.