On 24 January, the International Nuremberg Principles Academy co-organised a public event marking the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, together with the Nuremberg Amnesty International legal group, the Nuremberg Bar Association, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials and other partners. Taking place at the historic Courtroom 600 and drawing a full audience, the event highlighted the growing pressure on independent legal practice, the rule of law and international criminal justice worldwide.
The main lecture was delivered by Academy Director Professor Dr. Christoph Safferling. In his lecture, he examined the current strains affecting the International Criminal Court and placed them within the broader context of global political developments. Increasing political pressure on the Court and its staff, including sanctions and threats, poses a serious challenge to the independent enforcement of international criminal law. These developments extend beyond international institutions and raise fundamental concerns for democratic governance and the protection of human rights.
In their welcoming addresses, Christine Roth (Amnesty Lawyers’ Group), Dr. Uwe Wirsching (President of the Nuremberg Bar Association), and Nina Lutz (Director of the Memorium Nuremberg Trials) emphasised the historical and symbolic significance of the venue. Courtroom 600 stands for the reconstruction of law after the atrocities of National Socialism and marks the beginning of international criminal accountability for core crimes. The speakers emphasised the significance of upholding confidence in the rule of law and fostering enhanced civil society participation. The musical accompaniment for the evening was provided by Hans Schanderl, who performed on the santur and cello.
The event underscored the notion that the rule of law cannot be taken for granted. Instead, it is predicated on sustained commitment, institutional independence and an active and engaged civil society.
The Day of the Endangered Lawyer has been observed since 2015 and draws attention to lawyers around the world who face persecution, threats, or imprisonment because of their professional work. It commemorates 24 January 1977, when four labour lawyers and one member of their staff were murdered by neo-fascists in Madrid. (em)
