Another clash has erupted at the Special Court, this time between lawyers and the administration of security rules. The General Council of Lawyers has decided to boycott trials at GJKKO, opposing the regulation that provides for lawyers’ mobile phones to be taken at the entrance to the court.
Boycott of main trials at GJKKO
The decision taken by the General Council of Lawyers provides that lawyers will not take part in main trial hearings at the Special Court.
Excluded from this measure are only hearings related to security measures, which will continue to be held in the presence of defense lawyers.
Immediate suspension of the regulation demanded
The National Chamber of Advocacy is demanding the immediate suspension of the mobile phone regulation and its review.
According to the lawyers’ position, the restriction on phones undermines the practice of the profession and hinders their work during court proceedings.
The meeting also raised the case of lawyer Matlija
During the meeting, the case of lawyer Matlija was also discussed. He has complained about the confiscation of his phone and the fine imposed in court.
This episode was cited as part of the climate of tension that has accompanied the implementation of the contested regulation.
The decision also extends to court-appointed lawyers
The Council has requested that the boycott also be implemented by court-appointed lawyers.
For them as well, the only exception remains hearings on security measures, while participation in other trials at GJKKO should not continue as long as the regulation remains in force.
According to the decision made public by the legal profession’s bodies, the boycott will continue until the mobile phone regulation is reviewed.
The clash opens another debate over the limits between security measures in justice institutions and the minimum conditions that lawyers seek in order to provide defense in court.