Op-ed: Standing Up for Rule of Law in Pakistan
Ethics
We have witnessed with admiration and empathy the heroism of lawyers and judges in
Thestruggle of the Pakistani lawyers reminds us that the ideals of freedomand the rule of law are not abstract concepts, but are very real linesthat stand between justice and tyranny. Their stand demonstrates howfragile the rule of law is in all nations, including our own.
Aslawyers, it is no surprise to us that Musharraf targeted his crackdownon his nation?s legal community among other aspects of civil society.Musharraf has treated the law, as well as the judiciary and free press,as dangers to his rule and curtailments to his power.
In
When the
The recent actions in
It is too easy to ignore the events in
TheAmerican Bar Association and other bar groups call on PresidentMusharraf to restore constitutional law and reinstate the Supreme Courtjustices, and to free those he has wrongly arrested.
Thosemessages have been reinforced by lawyers in cities across the globesince Musharraf declared a state of emergency in his country. Theprotests continue this week as we continue to express our solidaritywith our courageous counterparts in
Aslawyers, our goal is not just to support the rule of law, it is tostand up for our beliefs in basic human rights ? the right to feelsecure in our own homes, the right to work in safety and the right tofreely voice our views.
The injustices in
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