Commonwealth Lawyers Association condemns disciplinary proceedings against Tanzanian bar leader
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association calls disciplinary proceedings seeking the permanent removal of Tanganyika Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi from the Roll of Advocates an attack on the independence of the legal profession. The proceedings concern a statement he made as head of the society about the prosecution of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, The association argues that the proceedings threaten not only Mwabukusi but also the independence of the Tanganyika Law Society. The association endorses a joint statement by regional lawyers’ groups and urges Tanzanian authorities to withdraw the proceedings and stop using disciplinary or criminal processes to intimidate lawyers.