NYC EVENT: Rally to Support Pakistani Lawyers & Judges, Nov 13, 1pm @ 60 Centre St

From the New York City Bar Association:
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New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre StreetAs an expression of solidarity with our beleaguered colleagues at the Pakistani bar, the New York City Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York County Lawyers’ Association, in conjunction with other organizations, invite you to attend a public rally in front of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street on Tuesday, November 13, from 1:00-1:30 p.m.

The crude and brutal suspension of law and the legal system in Pakistan, and the repression of judges and lawyers there, require that we take a moment from our own busy schedules and demonstrate our concern.

Because the images from Pakistan show the violent repression of Pakistani lawyers wearing their customary dark suit and white shirt, we request that you appear on Tuesday in similar attire, though this is not required. What is important is a strong show of support. We hope to see you there and encourage you to distribute this as widely as you can. Thank you.

(More details here. Earlier: NYC Bar Association’s Statement Denouncing Suspension of Pakistan Constitution.)

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Other demonstrations of support:

Akron, OH (and other northern Ohio cities):
Where: United States Courthouse, 2 South Main Street (corner of Main and Market), Akron, OH
When: Friday, November 9, 2007 at 12:00pm.

Let’s show our support. Bring yourselves (and even a sign if you wish), and come to the Courthouse. It may be last minute, but it is a small sacrifice (infinitesimal) that we are making, compared to that which our fellow lawyers are in Pakistan. See you Friday at noon in Akron — try to make it there, or anywhere a courthouse can be found!

Chicago, IL:
Where: Pakistan Consulate, 333 N Michigan Ave
When: Friday, November 9, 2007, at 3:30pm

A silent demonstration will take place in front of the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago today at 1530 on 333 N Michigan Ave, IL 60601. The culture of this non-partisan demonstration is that we will focus on one demand only: the restoration of judicial system. There will be no speeches and no slogans. We will prepare some placards and we do not support or opposed any party in Pakistan. [link]

Montreal, QB:
Where: Pakistan General Consulate (corner Peel and Sherbrooke), Montreal, QB
When: Friday, November 9, 2007, at 1:30pm

In order to demonstrate our solidarity with the lawyers in Pakistan and uphold our commitment to human rights, the rule of law and judicial independence, we are gathering in front of the Consulate General of Pakistan on Peel Street on Friday (9 November). We plan to meet at 1330 in front of the Nahum Gelber Law Library and walk down together. Alternatively you can meet us in front of the Consulate at 3421 Peel Street. We would encourage your support of individuals whose voices are currently being silenced. [link]

Toronto, ON:
Where: Pakistan Consulate, 240 Duncan Mill Rd, North York, ON
When: Friday, November 9, 2007, at 3:30pm

The SAPF has announced that it will organize a demonstration in front of Pakistan Consulate in Toronto at 3:30 pm on Friday afternoon and have called upon South Asian people and friends to collectively come out for this. [link]

San Francisco, CA:
Where: San Francisco Federal Building Main Plaza, 450 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA
When: Friday, November 9, 2007, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Demonstration of Solidarity by Bay Area Lawyers for the Lawyers of Pakistan – “We will gather in front of the Federal Building to support our sister and brother lawyers in Pakistan who have been beaten, gassed and arrested as they courageously risk their liberty and lives to stand up to tyranny and in support of judicial independence and the Constitutional rule of law in their country. We gather too in our own support for judicial independence and against torture in our name, recognizing that Constitutional rule of law in our country, just as in Pakistan, is ours to protect. Finally, and in further solidarity with the Pakistani lawyers, please dress [regardless of gender] in black (or dark) suits, white shirts, and black (or dark) ties.” [link]

Washington, DC:
Where: Pakistan Embassy, 3517 International Ct NW, Washington, DC
When: Sunday, November 11, 2007 from 1:00-3:30pm

Demonstration to express opposition to General Pervez Musharraf’s declaration of a State of Emergency on November 3, 2007, his order to suspend the Constitution and his subsequent actions against judges, lawyers, activists, journalists and academics.