Cameroonian lawyers began a three-day strike protesting against police brutality targeting their profession. The Bar Association condemned the violence and vowed legal action. This strike follows past protests, highlighting ongoing issues of repression under President Paul Biya’s rule.
Lawyers in Cameroon initiated a three-day strike on Wednesday, resulting in numerous empty courtrooms as a demonstration against the growing issue of police brutality directed at their profession. The Cameroon Bar Association strongly condemned the acts of violence, referring to them as “physical violence, barbarity, and other humiliating treatment” inflicted on legal professionals by the police.
President Mbah Eric Mba of the Bar Association cited recent alarming incidents, including a widely circulated video of officers physically assaulting a lawyer. In another case, a lawyer was abducted by police last Friday after voicing concerns over rights abuses affecting his clients, intensifying the lawyers’ grievances against law enforcement practices.
Reports indicated that many courtrooms in the capital city, Yaoundé, remained vacant due to the strike, as noted by an AFP journalist. In response to these violations, the Bar Association has committed to pursuing legal actions to address the abuses committed against their members.
This strike is not an isolated event; Cameroonian lawyers have previously protested against police misconduct, such as in November when a lawyer was hospitalized due to injuries sustained after being detained by the police in Douala. President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 42 years, faces accusations of diminishing dissent, as activists and human rights organizations caution about escalating repression ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October 2025.
In conclusion, the recent strike by Cameroonian lawyers reflects serious concerns regarding police brutality against legal professionals. The Cameroon Bar Association’s condemnation of such actions underscores the urgency of legal reforms to protect lawyers’ rights. The continued protests showcase the lawyers’ commitment to fighting against abuses, highlighting a broader struggle for justice in the face of state repression under President Paul Biya’s long-standing regime.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
