Statement Regarding Lawyer Jennifer Robinson's Interception

LONDON and SYDNEY, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent reports indicate that Australian citizen, lawyer, and Rhodes Scholar, Jennifer Robinson, was intercepted at London Airport prior to boarding a Sydney-bound flight and advised that the Australian High Commission needed to be consulted prior to her departure.

Robinson, a member of the Commonwealth Law Association (CLA) executive who represented fellow Australian Julian Assange, is due to speak at the Commonwealth Law Conference tomorrow 20 April at the session entitled, "Lawyers on the Frontline" (4 - 5.30 pm at the Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour).

The CLA believes these reports, if accurate, raise profound issues concerning the independence of lawyers and their clients.

The CLA points out that Article 13 of the UN Principles on the Role of Lawyers sets out clearly that "lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients' causes as a result of discharging their functions."

As an organisation, the CLA is committed to promoting the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth.

As such, the CLA calls upon Australian Foreign Minister, the Honourable Bob Carr, and the UK Border Agency, to clarify the details and rationale for the interception.

For further information:

Ron Heinrich, past President, CLA, is available for comment on +61-419- 432-785

Mark Stephens, Vice President, CLA is available for comment on +44-783-111-5000

About the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association

The Commonwealth Lawyers' Association (CLA) is an international organisation founded on human rights principles and which exists to promote and maintain the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth. The CLA participates in a wide range of activities including advocacy, undertaking research projects, organising the biannual Commonwealth Law Conference and providing services to our members.

Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) http://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/

The CLA Regional Law Conference http://www.commonwealthlaw2012.org/