Statement / Statement regarding Mr John Sangwa S.C. of Zambia and the removal of his right to practice in any court in Zambia

17/03/2020
Share

The CLA:

Recalling that the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (Basic Principles) were Adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Havana, Cuba, 27 August to 7 September 1990;

Noting that the Basic Principles state at paragraph 16:

“Governments shall ensure that lawyers

(a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; and

(c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.”

Noting also that the Basic Principles state at paragraph 19:

“No court or administrative authority before whom the right to counsel is recognized shall refuse to recognize the right of a lawyer to appear before it for his or her client unless that lawyer has been disqualified in accordance with national law and practice and in conformity with these principles.”

And Noting finally that the Basic Principles state at paragraphs 27, 28 and 29:

“27. Charges or complaints made against lawyers in their professional capacity shall be processed expeditiously and fairly under appropriate procedures. Lawyers shall have the right to a fair hearing, including the right to be assisted by a lawyer of their choice.

  1. Disciplinary proceedings against lawyers shall be brought before an impartial disciplinary committee established by the legal profession, before an independent statutory authority, or before a court, and shall be subject to an independent judicial review.
  2. All disciplinary proceedings shall be determined in accordance with the code of professional conduct and other recognized standards and ethics of the legal profession and in the light of these principles.”

Expresses concern:

  • that Mr John Sangwa has been prevented from practicing in all courts of law by the direction of the Judicial authorities in Zambia before a complaint that they have filed against him has been considered by his professional body; and
  • that the judiciary, which should uphold a right of due process, has not permitted due process in this case to run its course.

In view of the concerns expressed, the CLA encourages all concerned to uphold due process and the Rule of Law in all circumstances.

Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)

17th March 2020

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is an international non-profit organisation which exists to promote and maintain the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth. commonwealthlawyers.com

To read the full statement, please click here.

 

Related News