November 20, 2018: Statement from State Bar Association President Michael Miller Regarding Violent Attacks on Attorneys in the Philippines
11.20.2018
“The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) remains steadfastly committed to the rule of law and fundamental principles of justice in New York, across the United States and around the world. To that end, we are extremely concerned by the news that 34 lawyers have been killed in the Philippines since Rodrigo Duterte became president in 2016.
“Earlier this month, Benjamin Ramos, a founding member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers – a group that performs pro bono work on behalf of many of the people linked to Duterte’s drug war – was gunned down as he left his office.
“The State Bar Association joins with our fellow members of the legal profession in the Philippines in calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into Ramos’ murder and the many other killings of attorneys so those responsible are brought to justice. Equal treatment for all under the law includes the right of every individual to be represented by an attorney. Without that fundamental principle of justice, there can be no rule of law.”
About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, the Association has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities. NYSBA has members in 115 countries around the world, including 26 members in the Philippines.
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Contact: Brendan Kennedy
518-487-5541
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