Freedom Under Law (FUL) executive officer Judith February has said the arrest of Zimbabwean lawyers Tapiwa Muchineripi and Douglas Coltart is an attack on the rule of law and is urging the relevant Zimbabwean authorities to stop the harassment and intimidation of lawyers.

Muchineripi and Coltart were arrested at a hospital and charged with obstructing the course of justice while representing members of the official opposition party in Zimbabwe.

Their clients were receiving medical care after an alleged abduction and torture. 

Meanwhile, FUL has also welcomed the Johannesburg Society of Advocates’ statement which condemned the “arrest, detention, intimidation and harassment” of the lawyers.

FUL has also written to the Legal Practice Council urging it to show solidarity following the “egregious attack on the rule of law” in Zimbabwe.

February said the treatment of lawyers is a clear attempt at intimidation and harassment and is inconsistent with international standards for the treatment of lawyers.

She stressed that the lawyers must be free to carry out their functions without fear of reprisal and added that the Zimbabwean State was obliged to protect lawyers against any form of retaliation, intimidation or harassment.

“The role of the legal profession is vital to the rule of law. Lawyers must be free to represent their clients independently and fearlessly, without being subjected to intimidation and interference in their work,“ February said.