Samantha Aglae’s press release of May 8, 2023 |10 May 2023

Bar Association reacts to account of “apparent harassment” against Attoneys-at-Law

The Bar Association of Seychelles (BAS) is cognisant of a press release of Ms Samantha Aglae, a legal professional and member of BAS, that appeared in the May 8, 2023 edition of the Seychelles NATION, wherein Ms Aglae provides an account of incidents of

apparent harassment and intimidation of Attorneys-at-Law engaged in representing the Valabhji couple.

In a democratic society that adheres to the rule of law, it is expected that Attorneys-at-Law can perform their functions independently, without fear and free from interference. This in turn supports a legal system in which an Attorney-at-Law is able to

represent their client to the best of their abilities. When the independence of counsel is under threat, then so is the legal system, the legal process and indeed the rule of law. Ms Aglae’s account that there have been attempts to discourage herself and other counsel from representing the Valabhji couple, some of which appears to be successful, is a worrying and concerning sign, illustrating a move harkening towards yesteryear when conduct not in line with the State’s position was often met not only with

persecution, threats and intimidation, but also with extreme prejudice.

Ms Aglae’s account of apparent surveillance suggests individuals or organisations with access to her flight schedules, information that ought to be confidential or otherwise restricted. That the surveillance appears to be in the open suggest further attempts at

The Bar Association of Seychelles condemns any acts to intimidate, harass or threaten legal counsel in the performance of their duties and calls on the State institutions to investigate and take necessary action against the perpetrators of conduct unbecoming in a democratic society.

Press release from the Bar Association of Seychelles