Hu Shuli, editor-in-chief of Caixin, a Beijing-based premier provider of financial and business news and information, published an editorial at the end of September calling for the authorities to do a better job of protecting China’s lawyers.
The editorial detailed the authorities’ several recent moves to tackle the issue that lawyers in the country are being marginalized. Xi Jinping headed a group that was formed to deepen the reform efforts. On September 15, the group finished a document addressing the plight of lawyers. A day later, top judicial authorities, including the Supreme People’s Court and several ministries that handle legal affairs, issued a regulation that details measures to safeguard the rights of attorneys.
The editorial acknowledged that, "Lawyers have little power when dealing with government-backed courts and prosecutors. Fully protecting the rights of lawyers remains a complex issue, given that the judicial system is part of the establishment"
The editorial also stressed that China needs long-term stability and order, conditions that will not come about without the help of lawyers. The editorial concluded, "The authorities have shown they want to address the many problems that lawyers face when doing their jobs. We may see some progress. However, they should also realize that they need to act now and fast to provide the public with the legal protection it deserves. A good place to start is by letting lawyers do their jobs."
Source: Caixin, September 28, 2015
http://opinion.caixin.com/2015-09-28/100857799.html