The lawyer profession, which played a prominent role during the struggle for national liberation, is today and tomorrow called to contribute to strengthening the ongoing democratic process as a factor of stability, justice and prosperity, said President Beji Caid Essebsi.

Chairing on Thursday, the opening of the international conference marking the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Tunisian Bar at Carthage Palace, he affirmed his determination to work to achieve the objectives of the revolution and combat economic, political and cultural marginalisation.

He also insisted on the completion of the democratic edifice through the installation of various constitutional bodies.

Caid Essebsi emphasised the commitment to change the system of repressive laws inherited from the despotic regime by replacing it with new texts more in conformity with the new Constitution.

Beji Caid Essebsi highlighted the advocacy role of lawyers as part of the move to liberate and build an independent and modern state, citing, among others, Leader Habib Bourguiba.

He also spoke of the mobilisation of lawyers during the events of "Black Thursday" in January 1978, Gafsa in January 1980, bread riots in January 1984, and events in the mining basin in 2008 until the outbreak of the revolution in 2011.

The President of the Republic also underlined the active contribution of lawyers in the protection of the revolution and the guarantee of the democratic transition, through their active participation in the national council for the protection of the revolution and then the high authority for the achievement of the objectives of Revolution and political reform.

He pointed out that the Tunisian Order of Lawyers was one of the components of the Dialogue Quartet, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.

Beji Caid Essebsi insisted in his speech on the establishment of freedom and independence of the profession of lawyer, reminding of Decree-law 97 which he had promulgated in 2011 and that ensures in its article 47 The immunity of lawyers during the performance of their duties.

He expressed his pride at being a member of the Tunisian Bar which he joined on October 3, 1952.

At the opening of the conference, Beji Caid Essebsi recited the Fatiha in memory of Chokri Belaid who was member of the Bar, promising to reveal the identity of all the parties involved in his assassination.

The conference is organised for three days.

source: TAP