At least 64 judges, lawyers and prosecutors were victims of attacks between February 2000 and November 2001. Intimidation against other judicial officers and witnesses contributed to the widespread impunity enjoyed by a wide variety of criminal offenders.
Concern has arisen recently about the independence of the judiciary in Austria. An indicator of this concern was an open letter that was signed by two thirds of all judges and public prosecutors of the country.
Allegations have also been brought to light about attempts of certain politicians to influence the course of justice in ongoing trials.
The role played by the current Minister of Justice, Dieter Böhmdorfer, has also subject of some public debate.
Attacks on justice 2002-Austria-publications-2002 (full text, PDF)
The ICJ today expressed its dismay to Bashar al Assad that Habib Issa, founding member of the Human Rights Association, was sentenced by the Syrian Supreme State Security Court (SSSC) to five years’ imprisonment.
In striving to guarantee the protection of human rights and the rule of law, judges and lawyers are often attacked or persecuted for nothing more than the lawful discharge of their professional duties.
This is the report of two Missions sent by the ICJ to Malawi to investigate attacks on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Tunisia: Conviction of Ebru Timtik Award Laureate Ahmed Souab marks escalating repression of lawyers
ICJ Honored for Championing Refugee and Migrant Justice Worldwide
Thailand: Swift action is needed to ensure access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
Uzbekistan: ICJ and the Academy of Justice open the third cycle of the International Human Rights Law Course