Public Statement - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concern about the murder of lawyer Arlan Castañeda in the Philippines
TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concern about the murder of lawyer Arlan Castañeda in the Philippines.
Arlan Castañeda was a Filipino lawyer and former town councillor. According to reports, on December 20, 2016, he and his security aide Melito Binag attended dawn mass at a local church in San Pablo, Isabela. As they were leaving the church, the two men were shot by gunmen on motorcycles. Arlan Castañeda died on the way to the hospital, while his aide died immediately.
Police believe that the shooting may have been related to Arlan Castañeda's legal work, as he had been handling controversial land dispute cases at the time of his death.
The Law Society is deeply troubled by Arlan Castañeda's assassination. We strongly believe that lawyers should be able to carry out their duties without fear for their lives, liberty and security.
The Law Society of Upper Canada urges the Government of the Philippines to comply with the Philippines' obligations under international human rights laws, including the United Nations' Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
Article 16 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers states:
Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economics or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.
Article 17 states:
Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities.
Article 18 states:
Lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients' causes as a result of discharging their functions.
The Law Society urges the Government of the Philippines to:
- ensure that a thorough, impartial, independent and fair investigation is conducted into the murder of Arlan Castañeda;
- ensure that all lawyers can carry out their peaceful and legitimate activities without fear of physical violence or other human rights violations; and
- ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments.
The Law Society of Upper Canada is the governing body for more than 50,000 lawyers and 8,000 paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Treasurer is the head of the Law Society. The mandate of the Law Society is to govern the legal profession in the public interest by upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.
The Law Society of Upper Canada
Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N6
www.lsuc.on.ca
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SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada
please contact Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor - Media Relations, at 416-947-7605 or [email protected]
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