Statement on the Attempted Murder of Criminal Lawyer William Booth

The UIA-IROL has learned about the attempted murder of criminal lawyer, William Booth, as he stood by his car in his garage on April 9, 2020.

Booth is a well-known criminal defense and human rights lawyer who has handled many high profile and controversial cases. He serves as the chairperson of the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society of South Africa (“LSSA”) and is a participant and member of various other legal associations and organizations.

The UIA-IROL joins with the LSSA in strongly condemning the attack on Mr. Booth, concurring that an attempt on the lives of lawyers undermines the rule of law and access to justice.

The UIA-IROL recalls that “Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities” (UN Basic Principles on the role of Lawyers, principle n° 17).

The UIA-IROL reiterates LSSA’s call to authorities to leave no stone unturned in finding those responsible for this reprehensible attack and in bringing them to justice.