Lawyers condemn proposed Iraq war

THE proposed war in Iraq is in breach of the principles that ground Irish and international law, claims a statement signed by more than 70 Irish lawyers.

The statement, published yesterday, said many of the signatories worked in the area of criminal justice and have daily experience of situations where violence has caused pain, injury or death.

However, despite signing the statement, most of the lawyers said they wanted to avoid entering public debate on political matters since their job demands they be regarded as professional advocates rather than as individuals promoting personal opinions.