Society backs calls to assist Independent Afghanistan Bar Association President

The Law Society of Scotland has supported calls for urgent assistance to be provided to a senior Afghan lawyer.

Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society of Scotland, has written to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab backing the call from the International Bar Association (IBA), to provide urgent assistance to Mr Rohullah Qarizada, President of the Independent Afghanistan Bar Association, and his family following the US and allies’ military withdrawal from the country. 

In his letter to the Foreign Secretary, Ken Dalling has written:

Mr Qarizada has represented many in need of legal support and is an outspoken critic of the Taliban and similar groups. Mr Qarizada is concerned that hundreds of drug smugglers that were sent to jail as a result of his efforts have since been released by the Taliban.  

In his capacity as President of the Independent Afghanistan Bar Association, Mr Qarizada has been engaged in many cases advocating for human rights and justice. He has a high media profile as the public face of the Independent Afghanistan Bar Association and his face is well‐known across the country.

Reports have been received that two employees of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) have already been murdered by the Taliban.

Understandably, Mr Quarizada is extremely worried. It is unknown whether the Afghanistan Bar Association will survive as an organisation.

Therefore, in respect of his admirable contribution to advancing the rule of law, universal human rights and an independent judiciary and legal profession in Afghanistan and his justifiable fears for the safety and lives of his family and himself arising from these good works, I would like to add my voice to those of my colleagues at the IBA and reiterate our support for Mr Qarizada’s application for urgent assistance.