THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned the thuggery and barbaric behavior that unfolded at the High Court yesterday, where a lawyer, Linus Eyaa, was physically attacked by aggrieved members of the public.
In a statement LAZ president Lungisani Zulu said the Association has established that Mr Eyaa was merely discharging his role as a Legal Practitioner in line with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, Chapter 30 of the Laws of Zambia, when he met the unfortunate fate, from an opposing group in the case involving Money Grow Cooperative.
He reminded members of the public of the critical role lawyers play in the development of society, in line with every lawyer’s statutory mandate.
Mr Zulu said acts of physical violence against members of the legal profession are inimical to the advancement of the public interest, which lawyers advance.
He said lawyers have always stood and continue to stand on the side of society, even offering pro bono services to indigents.
“That the unfortunate incident happened in the precincts of the High Court, which are considered as a “holy ground of justice” makes the incident more distressing and any efforts by any citizens to take the law into their own hands deserves condemnation in the strongest terms, by all well-meaning citizens,” he said.
Mr Zulu has since commended police for its quick action in saving the lawyer.
“We are happy to also learn that six suspects of the violence have since been arrested by Kabwata. Police and now await subsequent court appearance to answer for their irresponsible actions,” he said.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th November, 2023)