Recent events in the UK have underscored a disturbing erosion of the rule of law, an erosion that threatens not only lawyers and judges, but the fundamental rights of all.  Last week this formed part of the IHRC panel at the United Nations in Geneva, discussing the Europe wide crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism by the state.  IHRC Head of Advocacy, Abed Choudhury looks at the upsurge and what it augurs.

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In the UK the demonisation of first Muslim beliefs, causes and grievances, then anti-racism generally and pro-Palestinian activism specifically, the political class and compliant media have turned their attention increasingly on outlier members of the legal profession and its institutions.  Whether the issue if Palestine, refugee rights or deaths in custody, all are swept up in this exaggerated and dangerous rhetoric.

Last week, The Guardian reported that more than 150 lawyers and refugee NGOs have faced harassment and intimidation from far-right protesters. Charity leaders are reporting having to increase security at their premises for fear of attacks. We have also seen the sustained targeting of lawyers who advocate for the Palestinian cause. Some recent examples include:

• UK politicians attack “activist judges” when they disagree with a ruling;
• Attacks on the Attorney General, the most senior lawyer in the UK, for his past human rights work;
• Pro-Israel groups complaining about a judge who inadvertently liked a pro-Palestine tweet;
• An immigration judge targeted for writing a blog post about detainee deaths in custody. Notably, the blog is described as a “pro-open borders website”, despite being a popular online resources for lawyers, advisers and students.

The above is not a comprehensive list, but these cases illustrate deliberate targeting and silencing of those defending asylum seekers, refugees, and broader calls for justice. This echoes a wider pattern: from political rhetoric branding practitioners as “lefty lawyers” to hostile media coverage and targeted threats.

 At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, IHRC emphasised that these are not isolated incidents. Legal professionals, particularly those working in immigration, asylum, and human rights, are increasingly subjected to delegitimisation, vilification, and violence. Such attacks are designed to deter them from fulfilling their vital role as the last line of defence against executive overreach and unlawful state action.

When journalists are attacked or threatened for their work, society recognises the danger to truth and accountability. Lawyers and judges play an equally critical role: ensuring due process, challenging abuses of power, and safeguarding the vulnerable. To intimidate them is to weaken the entire system of rights on which we depend on as a society.

IHRC’s message is clear:

– Defending lawyers and judges is about defending justice itself.

– Silencing those on the frontlines of justice endangers the fundamental rights of us all.

IHRC calls on policymakers, media, and civil society to stand in defence of those who defend us all. Protecting the independence and safety of legal professionals is not optional: it is essential to safeguarding justice and upholding the rule of law.

 Abed Choudhury heads IHRC Advocacy, where he focuses on challenging discrimination, political repression, and human rights abuses through strategic advocacy. With over a decade of experience, he has supported marginalised communities and made submissions to international bodies including the UN and the International Criminal Court. He is also a Director at IHRC Legal and can be found on LinkedIn @AbedChoudhury.