For Immediate Release
November 25, 2007
OTTAWA – Almost 300 lawyers marched today to the Supreme Court of Canada to show their support for members of the legal profession and judiciary of Pakistan, adding their voices to the worldwide call for an end to emergency rule and the restoration of the rule of law in that country.
“Thousands have risked their lives to defend against the arbitrary use of state power,” said Canadian Bar Association President Bernard Amyot of Montreal. “The least we can do is to grant them our full support and admiration. As a member of the legal profession, I admire their courage and dedication in upholding the rule of law.”
Marchers proceeded from Ottawa’s Delta Hotel to the grounds of the Supreme Court of Canada. The event was co-sponsored by the CBA and the County of Carleton Law Association. Participants signed a petition in support of Pakistani lawyers, judges and the rule of law.
Earlier this month, the CBA issued a news release supporting the Canadian government and condemning events in Pakistan. On Nov. 14, the CBA wrote a letter to the High Commissioner of Pakistan calling for a reversal of the state of emergency.
The CBA has developed a web site with background information on the situation in Pakistan, statements of support from international legal organizations, and a suggestion that Canadian lawyers express their concern through a letter-writing campaign.
High resolution photos of today's event for use by the media are available online at: http://www.cba.org/cba/news/pakistan/.
The Canadian Bar Association is dedicated to improvement in the law and the administration of justice. Some 37,000 lawyers, law teachers, and law students from across Canada are members.
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CONTACT: Stephen Hanson, Canadian Bar Association, Tel: (613) 796-2925; E-mail: stephenh@cba.org.
