Suspended lawyers express concern over state's lack of transparency

Lawyers who were penalized in the Supreme Court’s mass suspension last month have expressed concern over the judiciary’s lack of transparency in the process.

In a press conference on Tuesday, lawyer Hisaan Hussein said that the Judicial Administration Department has yet to contact any of the suspended lawyers.

She further said that about sixteen lawyers had provided their statements over the suspension to the department of their own volition.

“There is no process here, a number of lawyers who signed the petition have had their suspension revoked while others are still on suspension” Hisaan said.

She further said that some of the lawyers who have provided statements to the Supreme Court said that judges seemingly believe a number of them signed the petition under duress.

Former Attorney General Husnu Suood expressed concern over the lack of opportunity provided to those suspended to produce their defence.

“It is legally required that those who have been penalized for something, be given adequate opportunity to speak in their defence” he said.

In September, the Supreme Court decision to suspend 54 lawyers calling for the rule of law to be upheld. The decision was made on 10th September, a week after the petition was filed with the court.

The petition cited several instances in which court decisions had served to either obstruct or fully violate legal principles and doctrines enshrined within the constitution.

A total of 56 lawyers had signed the petition. While the court had suspended 54 on the grounds of ‘contempt of court’, two of the remaining signatories were already under suspension.

The suspension was met with criticism towards the Supreme Court, with several in the legal profession having expressed concern over the decision.

29 lawyers have had their suspension revoked.