- President also says ‘political guidance’ should be strengthened, during speech at a Politburo study session
- Observers say the remarks suggest there could be a further tightening of control over the legal profession
Lawyers in China should consciously “follow and embrace” the leadership of the Communist Party, President Xi Jinping has told a Politburo study session.
He also said the party should strengthen its “political guidance” of lawyers.
“[We should] educate and guide lawyers to consciously abide by the basic requirements of supporting the leadership of the Communist Party and the socialist rule of law in China, and strive to be good lawyers satisfied by the party and the people,” Xi told the meeting in Beijing on Monday, according to official news agency Xinhua.
While it was not the first time China’s president has emphasised the party’s leadership over the legal profession, observers said the call signalled a further tightening of control over lawyers.
Qin Qianhong, a professor at Wuhan University’s school of law, said Xi’s message was consistent with the increased control over lawyers and law firms in recent years.
“Political guidance for lawyers is one of the characteristics of the rule of law in China, a natural requirement that lawyers must work within the political system, to remain loyal and uphold the leadership of the party,” Qin said.
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https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/award-12082021124837.html
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/trial-deadline-human-rights-defender-ding-jiaxi-postponed
