Reaffirmation of the primacy of the law
During a recent meeting with Leïla Jaffel, Minister of Justice, at Carthage Palace, President Kais Saied insisted on the significance of equality before the law, recollecting that no one is above it.
This statement comes in a context where the legal profession is the subject of lively discussions in Tunisia, especially regarding the obligations and potential abuses of some of its members.
The president underlined that there is no dispute between the State and lawyers, contrary to what may sometimes be perceived or conveyed by some. He recalled that the right to a fair trial and the right to defense are ensured by article 123 of the Tunisian Constitution.
Kais Saied talked of the disciplinary measures taken by the National Bar Association against those who fail in their professional duties, affirming that the dignity of the profession must be conserved. He also mentioned specific cases where lawyers were reprimanded for behavior that harms the image of their profession and the sovereignty of the Tunisian state.
Respect for the law and protection of rights
The president also stressed the necessity to respect Tunisian laws, even in difficult circumstances, stating that the House of Lawyers, although located on Tunisian soil, is not an independent enclave and must comply with the country’s laws. He insisted that the Tunisian state guarantees all prisoners rights and humane treatment, in accordance with article 36 of the Constitution.
Finally, Kais Saied criticized those who, from within, denigrate their own country and sometimes profit from the protection of external forces. He alluded to recent cases where lawyers have been implicated in criminal activity without causing public outrage, questioning the silence around these cases compared to others that attract more media attention.
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