The Law Society of Ireland has strongly condemned threats made against a solicitor in Ireland in recent weeks, as reported by the Irish Times (‘Immigration lawyer no longer feels safe in Dublin after arson and violence threats’) today, 2 August 2024.

President of the Law Society, Barry MacCarthy, said, “The Law Society is concerned about the disturbing reports of threats and intimidation directed towards a solicitor who is merely fulfilling their professional legal duties.

“Legal professionals should be able to perform their duties without fear or harm. These alarming threats not only target individual legal professionals, but also undermine the very foundation of our legal system and the rule of law.

“Every person, regardless of their background or the nature of their case, is entitled to competent and fair legal representation. This principle is fundamental to a just society and is enshrined in our legal system.

“When a solicitor is threatened, whether that is because of the colour of their skin, religion, ethnic background or area of legal practice, the entire legal process is threatened. Threats of this nature towards any person must be strongly condemned.

“Such actions are utterly unacceptable and represent a direct attack on the legal rights of individuals to seek representation and access justice. We commend the prompt action by An Garda Siochana when recent incidents of intimidation were brought to their attention.

“The Law Society stands firmly behind all solicitors who are subjected to threats and intimidation. The Law Society is here to support our colleagues who have been targeted by these cowardly threats. Solicitors play a vital role in the administration of justice and any threat to them is an attack on the legal rights of every person. We urge colleagues to report any threats or acts of intimidation to the Gardaí.

“The Law Society will continue to support solicitors and legal professionals and will work with the Gardaí to ensure that legal professionals can operate in an environment that recognises the important role that they play in our justice system and ensure that they are not hampered by threats of violence or intimidation. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the legal system or the rights of individuals to access legal representation. Those who engage in threatening or intimidatory behaviour towards legal professionals must be held to account for their actions.”

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