Voices of Justice: Protecting Lawyers’ Freedom of Expression
17 October 2026
10.00 – 11.00 CET | 15.00 – 16.00 GMT+7
Register here
Join Lawyers for Lawyers, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the Law Society of England and Wales, and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute for an engaging webinar exploring how to protect lawyers’ freedom of expression and address the systemic challenges that threaten it.
Lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice, defending human rights, and ensuring that everyone has access to a fair legal process. Yet, around the world, lawyers are increasingly targeted for doing their work — facing intimidation, disciplinary action, prosecution, and even imprisonment simply for speaking out.
When lawyers are silenced, justice itself is at risk. Restrictions on their freedom of expression undermine the independence of the legal profession and erode the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.
In Thailand, human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa has become a symbol of this struggle. Known for his peaceful advocacy for democratic reform and freedom of expression, he has faced multiple prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences for his speeches and legal activism. His case highlights the urgent need to protect lawyers’ rights and ensure that they can perform their professional duties without fear of reprisal. This webinar will feature a presentation by Lawyers for Lawyers on a recent study examining his case, highlighting the broader implications for lawyers’ freedom of expression worldwide
Programme
Opening remarks
Sophie de Graaf, Lawyers for Lawyers
Keynote
Karuna Nundy, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Presentation: “When Lawyers Are Silenced”
Debra Long, The Law Society of England and Wales
Presentation: “Lawyers’ Freedom of Expression on Trial”
Natalia Segura Diez, Lawyers for Lawyers
Remarks on the Thai context
Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights
Discussion and Q&A
Find a PDF version of the concept note here
