Steven Thiru was invited by the Law Society of Northern Ireland to discuss the threats to access to justice in Commonwealth countries.

An advocate for human rights and judicial independence in his home country of Malaysia and internationally, Mr Thiru has expressed increasing concerns about the threats facing access to justice in the Commonwealth. 

During discussions with local lawyers and students in Belfast, Mr Thiru called on them to remain vigilant, defend accountability and the rule of law and to speak up in solidarity with colleagues facing pressure or threats at home and abroad.

During his one-day visit in Belfast he also took the opportunity to meet with the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, and the Attorney General for Northern Ireland, Dame Brenda King.

Brian Speers, a member of the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and past president of the CLA, said: “We are deeply grateful to Steven Thiru for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Belfast and address the next generation of lawyers on the need to defend access to justice and the rule of law.”