FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Following the arrest of lawyer Ulian Barjami in Vlora, the Local Bar Association and the Criminal Lawyers Association of Albania have reacted harshly, describing the action as an act of intimidation and a serious violation of the principles of the rule of law.
In an official statement, the Vlora Bar Association states:
" The Vlora Bar Association expresses its deepest indignation and concern over the arrest of lawyer Ulian Barjami, an event that cannot be considered simply a legal action, but an open attack on the independence of lawyers and justice in Albania.
This arrest raises strong suspicions about the use of state mechanisms to intimidate the legal profession and send a clear message to any lawyer who dares to defend his clients with rigor and independence.
A lawyer is not an ordinary citizen; he is a guarantor of justice and legal protection for citizens, and attacks on him are attacks on the rule of law itself.
The Vlora Local Bar Association urgently requests:
-A prompt and impartial investigation, free from any political or administrative influence;
-Full respect for the rights of the lawyer, as guaranteed by the Constitution and international conventions;
-Ensuring that no pressure, threat or manipulation will violate the independence of the legal profession and the right of citizens to legal protection.
The Vlora Local Bar Association makes a strong appeal: any attempt to intimidate lawyers is a direct attack on justice and democracy. We will use all legal means and denounce any attempt by the state to violate the independence of the profession. ”
The Albanian Criminal Lawyers Association has also reacted strongly to Barjam's detention, stating that he was arrested only because he declared his intention to report the prosecutor for evidence manipulation:
" The Criminal Lawyers Association of Albania expresses its deep indignation and strongly condemns the unprecedented act of arresting lawyer Ulian Bajrami while exercising his duty at the end of a court session, following a debate during the trial with the representative of the prosecution.
According to information and audio from the court session, the lawyer was arrested solely for the fact that he communicated to the prosecutor his intention to file a criminal report, as according to him, the latter had manipulated evidence to the detriment of the client he was defending.
This action constitutes a direct attack on the independence of the legal profession, seriously violating the constitutional principle of the right to independent and effective defense, guaranteed by Article 31 of the Constitution and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The association requires:
-Immediate and unconditional release of the arrested lawyer;
-A full, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the responsible authorities;
-Taking disciplinary and legal measures against any official who has abused public office to intimidate the defense representative;
-Institutional guarantee that such events will not be repeated.
This act is a serious violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law. The arrest of a lawyer because he seeks the implementation of the law is a frightening message to the entire body of lawyers and to citizens seeking justice. The Criminal Lawyers Association of Albania will not remain silent and allow the independence of the defense to become an object of pressure or punishment .”
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