Senior legal figures have warned that criminal defence lawyers are becoming scared to do their jobs after contempt of court proceedings were brought against barrister Rajiv Menon KC over his defence of a Palestine Action activist.
Menon, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of defying a judge's directions by reminding jurors of their power to acquit according to their conscience during his closing speech. His trial, originally due to begin this week, has been postponed until October following intervention by the Court of Appeal.
The case has sparked widespread concern across the legal profession. Criminal Bar Association chair Riel Karmy-Jones KC said barristers now fear they could face prosecution simply for representing their clients, while former shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti described the proceedings as ‘chilling’.
Jeremy Corbyn said the case should alarm anyone concerned about the independence of the justice system.
Nearly 40,000 people have signed a petition backing Menon, whose prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind over the content of a closing speech.
