On 15 May 2025, Lawyers for Lawyers and the Amsterdam Bar Association welcomed guests to a compelling afternoon at De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, dedicated to defending press freedom and honouring the lawyers who make this possible. The event combined the seminar “Lawyers Representing Journalists Targeted Around the Globe” with the festive presentation of the 2025 Lawyers for Lawyers Award.
This year’s programme highlighted the mounting threats faced by lawyers who defend journalists across the globe. These legal professionals play a crucial role in upholding media freedom, yet increasingly find themselves under pressure—facing intimidation, surveillance, and legal sanctions simply for doing their job.
The event was opened by Jeroen Brouwer, Chair of the Lawyers for Lawyers Board, followed by a video message from UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite. She outlined growing global threats to legal professionals and the rise of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) as tools of intimidation.
Keynote remarks were delivered by Jacqueline Schaap, President of the Amsterdam Bar Association, and Jeroen Soeteman, President of the Dutch Bar Association. Schaap emphasised that lawyers hold real power—especially when their role is understood and respected—and reminded the audience of their duty to defend those who may not grasp the legal system or their rights within it. Soeteman addressed the young lawyers in the room, warning that seemingly minor, incremental legal changes can add up to serious damage to the rule of law. He called on the legal profession to stay committed to its core values, because legal protections only work when upheld in practice.
Moderated by media and human rights lawyer Emiel Jurjens, the panel discussion brought together legal experts from four different countries:
- Bea Bodrogi, a Hungarian human rights lawyer specialised in freedom of expression and media law
- Sirikan Charoensiri, co-founder of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights
- Ginna Anderson, Associate Director at the American Bar Association’s Center for Human Rights
- Emma Bergmans, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Free Press Unlimited
Each panelist shared first-hand experiences with the increasing risks faced by lawyers defending journalists—ranging from surveillance and digital insecurity to legal harassment, disciplinary measures, and reputational attacks. They spoke not only of the dangers but also of the sense of isolation many lawyers face, and the strength they draw from international solidarity and public visibility. The discussion underlined that these issues are not limited to authoritarian states; similar patterns of legal intimidation are also emerging in democratic countries. This important and insightful exchange will be further explored in a separate article.
The afternoon concluded with the presentation of the 2025 Lawyers for Lawyers Award to Angolan human rights lawyer Zola Ferreira Bambi. The award was presented by 2023 laureate Claudia González Orellana, with remarks from jury member Agaath Reijnders. Mr Bambi was recognised for his unwavering commitment to defending fellow lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders in Angola—often under threat, surveillance, or attack.
In his moving acceptance speech, Bambi stated: “This award is not only a reflection of my efforts, but also a tribute to the many activists, human rights defenders, and anonymous citizens who risk their lives every day to ensure that future generations can live in a more just and free country.”
He concluded: “We will continue to resist, to persist, always moving forward even when the odds are against us. This is what makes us believe that change, however difficult, is possible.”
As guests gathered afterward for informal conversation and connection over drinks, the atmosphere was one of shared purpose and solidarity. The event was a celebration not only of one individual’s courage, but of the collective strength of a profession that continues to stand up for justice—even under pressure.
In the words of Zola; It not only strengthens our work, but also sends a powerful message to those who oppose freedoms and encourages human rights activists and defenders around the world: “You are not alone.”
To read the full speech; click here (or read the original in Spanish)
Photography by Tamara Schijff Fotografie
