‘Lawyers for Democracy’ condemns the attempt by some members of Parliament to interfere and intimidate the Bribery or Corruption Commission from inquiring into allegations of bribery or corruption by powerful personalities.  We view this as an affront to the Rule of Law and in fact democratic governance.  The law has to apply equally to all citizens however mighty they may be.  If an individual has a grievance against any person or any institution he has the remedy of resorting to legal action by way of a writ and /or by way of a fundamental rights application.

We further view with alarm the action of the Speaker in calling and questioning the Chairman of the Bribery Commission  about a pending inquiry.  The Speaker has no legal or moral right to interfere in an on-going investigation.  We condemn this action.  The independence of the institutions of State has to be protected.  The legislature and / or the Executive has no right to interfere in the administration of justice.  

This dangerous development has to be checked.  The people at the last presidential election clearly voted for the abolition of the executive presidential system due to the abuse and misuse of power that was witnessed during the past few years.  The people have given the President a clear mandate to uphold the Rule of Law.  We call upon the President to see that the Rule of Law prevails.  We call upon the civil society, especially the trade unions, university teachers, the Bar Association and other organizations of lawyers, artistes, media organisations, which led the struggle to restore the Rule of Law unitedly fight against this dangerous trend.