Statement on Aamar Anwar and free speech

Terry Brotherstone said: 'The University and College Union Scotland Congress earlier this month noted that solicitor Aamer Anwar is accused of a contempt of court in respect of his public statement after the conviction, last October, of his client Mohammad Atif Siddique. I, as UCU Scotland President, was asked to issue a statement in Aamer Anwar's support.

'Aamer Anwar has worked hard to ensure that all citizens of Scotland have full and equal access to the Scottish justice system. I know personally from having participated with him in the long-running Chokhar family campaign for proper redress following the racist murder of their son that his undoubted reputation as a tireless and courageous fighter against injustice, and racist injustice in particular, is well deserved.

'Recognising that the case is now in process, I want, on our Congress's behalf, simply to endorse Baroness Helena Kennedy's statement, made some time ago: that what Aamer Anwar said "is the sort of thing a young lawyer does when ... describing what their client felt", and that contempt of court proceedings seem "excessive".

'And as Michael Mansfield QC commented: "We need independent strong lawyers who will speak out ... This is exceptionally important for freedom of speech." My colleagues who have raised the issue in our union agree very much with this comment, and this lies behind their strong support for Aamer Anwar."

'The right to free speech of course depends on the rule of law. Equally, the rule of law depends upon the right to free speech. Striking the balance is clearly of critical importance.'