The South China Morning Post reports that Hu Shimin – who is in charge of legal affairs in Weishi county in Henan – made the remarks following the lawyers’ actions to expose alleged corruption or incompetence.
'Social instability'
Mr Hu added: ‘All these instances of petitioners causing social instability have been instigated by lawyers.’
The outburst spread quickly through the legal profession, leading to a statement from the Weishi bar, stressing it was not filled with cowards.
Seven signatories to the statement said that they were all putting aside their legal licences until ‘the matter was completely resolved’.
Apology demands
The statement has been met with widespread support among the legal community in China, with many demanding an apology from Mr Hu.
Henan-based lawyer Qin Yongmin claimed that officials who lead legal affairs committees lack an understanding of the law, adding that the prejudice against lawyers is such that some officials even ‘demonise’ them.
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