Number of lawyers down 25 percent since 2020 – report

April 24, BPN. The number of lawyers in Belarus fell from 2,200 in early 2020 to 1,650 in April 2023, says a recent report by Pravo na Zashchitu (Right to Defense) initiative. 

The Belarusian Bar Association opened disciplinary proceedings against 74 attorneys in 2022, while regional bar associations disbarred 27 lawyers.

Eight lawyers were reprimanded for signing an appeal against Russia’s war in Ukraine, the report said noting the violation of the freedom of expression.  

Authorities also punished attorneys who charged a lower fee than agreed in the contract or worked pro bono without a justified reason. Regional bar associations may have used these penalties to intimidate attorneys providing legal assistance in politically-motivated cases, the report noted.

In 2022, bar associations launched disciplinary action against 19 lawyers for minor offenses. Attorneys tried on charges of disorderly conduct, disobeying police officers and sharing opposition content were later disbarred, the report said.