The present press release of International Commission Jurists (ICJ) concerns a call to the Kazakhstan authorities that they should withdraw the unfounded and abusive disbarment proceedings against prominent Kazakh defence lawyer. The ICJ recalls that the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers affirm lawyers’ right to freedom of expression and state that, in particular, lawyers have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights without suffering professional restrictions as a result.