Cameroonian lawyers have commenced a three-day strike protesting increased police brutality directed at their profession. The Bar Association decries physical violence against lawyers, citing alarming incidents including assaults and abductions. Several courtrooms are deserted in Yaoundé, while the Bar Association promises legal action. This protest follows a similar initiative in November, reflecting ongoing tensions under President Paul Biya’s administration ahead of the upcoming 2025 election.
Lawyers in Cameroon initiated a three-day strike on Wednesday, rendering numerous courtrooms unoccupied as they voiced their dissent against escalating police brutality, particularly affecting their profession. The Cameroon Bar Association condemned the reported physical violence and degrading treatment inflicted upon lawyers by law enforcement officials. Mbah Eric Mba, president of the council, underscored two alarming incidents, including a viral video of a lawyer being assaulted by police and the recent abduction of another lawyer protesting rights violations.
Due to the strike, several courtrooms in the nation’s capital, Yaoundé, remained empty, as corroborated by an AFP journalist. The Bar Association has pledged to pursue legal recourse in response to these abuses. This action marks a continuation of lawyers’ resistance, as they previously protested in November against the hospitalization of a colleague following police detention in Douala.
Cameroon’s long-time president, Paul Biya, has faced accusations of stifling dissent during his 42-year tenure. Activists and human rights advocates warn that police repression is intensifying as the country approaches the presidential election scheduled for October 2025.
In conclusion, the three-day strike by Cameroonian lawyers underscores their growing concern over police brutality targeting their profession. The incident highlights ongoing issues of violence and repression, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential elections. The Bar Association’s commitment to legal action demonstrates a continued resolve among lawyers to oppose such abuses and advocate for their rights.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
