William T. Robinson III is concerned that the rule of law cannot be restored in Belarus without addressing ongoing threats to the independence of the legal profession. On behalf of the Association the author respectfully requests that the addressees consider additional means to raise the profile of this issue in their relations with the government of Belarus.

William T. Robinson III advised setting up the extraordinary commissions to evaluate the overall performance of the Belarusian legal profession, the pressure on human rights defenders and lawyers who have defended political opponents of the existing government, and revocation of their licenses: “While the Ministry alleges that their punishments were due to “professional” or “ethical” failings, these lawyers appear to have been the subject of retaliation for representing political candidates who were detained after the December 2010 election violence, or advocating for the respect of human rights through their work”.

William T. Robinson III said that such actions of the Belarusian government are clear violations of international law and breach the fundamental principles of the legal profession:

“These actions by the government of Belarus against the Bar and individual lawyers have raised serious concerns among ABA members and its leadership. Not only is there a concern that lawyers and the legal profession are under attack, but that the government of Belarus’ actions will enable other human rights and international law violations in Belarus to continue and to increase.

At the core of our concerns is that Belarus is violating international law and not adhering to its treaty obligations. The government’s retaliation against these lawyers and interference with the administration of the Bar contravenes fundamental human rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These actions violate the right to freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to counsel”.

In the letter to Martin Schulz the author respectfully requested that the European Union make the reinstatement of the disbarred and unlicensed lawyers in Belarus, as well as the restoration of the Minsk Bar Association’s independence from the government, a condition of re-engagement with the European Union and its Member States. William T. Robinson III promised the recipients of the letters to support any effort that will be made to improve the situation of the Belarusian Bar.

Documents: