Public Statement - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns over arrest of lawyer Jamshed Yorov in Tajikistan

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns over arrest of lawyer Jamshed Yorov in Tajikistan.

Jamshed Yorov is known for representing Mahmadalli Hait, the deputy chairman of the banned opposition Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan. On June 2, 2016, Mr. Hait was sentenced to life imprisonment after a closed-door ruling by Tajikistan's Supreme Court.

It has come to our attention that Jamshed Yorov was arrested and detained on August 22, 2016, and charged with "disclosure of State secrets" under part 1 of article 311 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan. Jamshed Yorov informed his family that he was being questioned in connection with the alleged leaked publication of the text of a classified court judgment, concerning the case of Mr. Hait, on the internet.

The Law Society is deeply concerned about these reports. It is our understanding that Jamshed Yorov's arrest may be as a result of the exercise of his legitimate duties in defending Mahmadalli Hait. We believe strongly that lawyers should be able to exercise their legitimate duties without fear for their lives, for their liberty and for their security.

The Law Society of Upper Canada urges the government of Tajikistan to comply with Tajikistan's 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 Tajikistan to:

1. release Jamshed Yorov immediately;
2. guarantee all the procedural rights that should be accorded to Jamshed Yorov and other human rights lawyers and defenders in Tajikistan;
3. put an end to all acts of harassment against Jamshed Yorov as well as other human rights lawyers and defenders in Tajikistan;
4. guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Jamshed Yorov;
5. 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 more than 7,800 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

Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor - Media Relations, at 416-947-7605 or [email protected]