Cagliari “War lawyers. Stories and testimonies from Ukraine and Russia” (Editore Guerini e Associati) is the book that will be presented in Cagliari, Friday 22 November, starting at 4 pm, in the “Aldo Marongiu” Library of the Palace of Justice. The author is Gennaro Grimolizzilawyer from Potenza, journalist and collaborator of the newspaper “Il Dubbio”, the daily newspaper of the Italian legal profession. The book turns the spotlight on the condition of Ukrainian and Russian lawyers, men and women committed to practicing their profession in a war scenario in the heart of Europe. The author tells stories of courage, resilience and dedication to justice even when it seems unattainable. A book that profoundly questions our sense of humanity and international solidarity. There is a precise moment in which the author makes clear the mission of the legal profession, its innate vocation to the defense of rights, and it is when he crosses the Ukrainian border to give a voice to Russian lawyers: the trenches are ideally overcome to put in contact between two worlds only apparently at war
At the meeting on November 22nd the lawyers will dialogue with the author Matteo Pinna (president of the Bar Association of Cagliari), Nicholas Littarro, Nicola Canestrini (coordinator of the “Threatened Lawyers” Observatory of the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers) and remotely Dmitry Zakhvatovdefender of the journalist Marina Ovsyannikova and numerous Russian political dissidents.
«The book of Gennaro Grimolizzi – he comments Matteo Pinnapresident of the Bar Association of Cagliari -, in the tragic and extreme perspective of the war, sheds light on often overlooked aspects of our profession. With careful research and engaging storytelling, Gennaro Grimolizzi It reminds us how crucial our commitment to defending rights is, even in the most dramatic situations.”
The lawyer is of the same opinion Nicholas Littarro: «The presentation scheduled in the “Marongiu Library” is an opportunity to reflect on how the legal profession can continue to be a bastion of justice, everywhere and in every circumstance. “War Lawyers” lends itself to very different reading levels. Personally, I was struck by the level of humanity that Ukrainian and Russian colleagues continue to demonstrate even in such complicated moments.”
How can the stories shared by Ukrainian and Russian lawyers in this book help foster a greater awareness of the legal challenges faced in conflict zones among lawyers and the general public?
Thank you for joining us today, Matteo Pinna, Nicholas Littarro, and Nicola Canestrini. We are here to discuss the upcoming presentation of the book “Cagliari War Lawyers. Stories and testimonies from Ukraine and Russia” by Gennaro Grimolizzi on November 22nd. The book sheds light on the experiences of lawyers in Ukraine and Russia, their commitment to justice, and the challenges they face in a war-torn region.
1. Can you tell us more about the book and its author, Gennaro Grimolizzi? How did this project come about?
2. The book focuses on the experiences of Ukrainian and Russian lawyers during the war. As lawyers yourselves, how do you think their stories resonate with your own experiences or perspectives on the legal profession in times of conflict?
3. The book presents a unique perspective on the situation in Ukraine and Russia, bringing together voices from different sides of the conflict. What do you think are some of the key challenges that these lawyers face in their work?
4. The presentation on November 22nd will also feature a conversation with Dmitry Zakhvatov, a Russian lawyer who represents political dissidents and journalists. How do you hope this dialog will contribute to the broader discussion about the role of lawyers in conflict zones?
5. As lawyers, we often talk about the importance of defending human rights and upholding the rule of law, even in the face of adversity. What do you think are some of the most pressing human rights issues that need to be addressed in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia?
6. The “Threatened Lawyers” Observatory of the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers will also be participating in the presentation. Can you tell us more about this initiative and how it supports lawyers around the world who face threats or intimidation in their work?
7. Lastly, how do you hope that this event will contribute to a better understanding of the situation in Ukraine and Russia, not just for lawyers but for the general public as well?
Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on these important issues.
