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Lawyer Maks Haxhia opposes GJKKO regulation: The right to defense is being restricted, the mobile phone is our mobile office, we await a response

Speaking to reporters, Maks Haxhia, chairman of the Chamber of Advocates, opposed the new GJKKO regulation, under which lawyers are affected by several provisions, including the one banning the use of mobile phones in the courtroom.

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Lawyer Haxhia described the regulation as an overt restriction on the practice of the legal profession and the right to defense.

Haxhia also said that the Chamber of Advocates felt offended that such an act had been prepared without consulting representatives of the lawyers.

“Regarding this regulation, which we oppose, first and foremost we feel offended that such an act has been prepared, one that openly restricts the right to defense and the practice of the legal profession in courtrooms. Most importantly, we expected at least to be consulted with the Chamber of Advocates. Although we were not optimistic, because this has been the ongoing treatment of the Chamber. We regret to note that there is no space where lawyers can remain during hearings. This shows the value this institution places on the legal profession.

The regulation, in three provisions, restricts the use of mobile phones in the courtroom—not for speaking, but for working, managing matters and using them in support of the practice of law. This runs counter to the stage of life in societies around the world, where electronics are a great help. The mobile phone is our mobile office; it is a work tool,” lawyer Haxhia said.

Haxhia announced that the Chamber of Advocates had addressed the head of the court and was awaiting a response in the coming days, but warned that it would also take the matter to court in order to challenge it, as he put it, through legal proceedings.

“The Chamber of Advocates operates through structures. We are awaiting these days a response to the request we submitted to the head of the court, and then, over the weekend, the steering committee will meet to determine our further positions. Our position is unified with that of the media. We will also take it to court in order to challenge it through legal proceedings,” he said, stressing that no regulation can restrict a constitutional right.