A collective made up of 100 candidates who failed the legal aptitude competition (CAPA) for the 2021 session held a press conference this Monday, September 11 to respond to the statements of the Guinea Bar.
The Bar held a conference on August 24, during which it maintained that these trainee lawyers did not have the “required level” to access the legal profession.
These candidates question not only the results of CAPA 2021, but also the circumstances surrounding the organization of the competition and the publication of the results, denouncing “irregularities”.
« We are speaking following the press conference which was held in this Press House on August 24 by the Guinea Bar. For almost 2 years, we have been pursuing our demands in the shadows, with a view to finding an amicable solution for several objective reasons. We did not want to speak publicly about this affair which does not honor the corporation and which could expose those who created and maintained this situation until now. “, declared Souleymane Sidibé, a member of the collective.
For the collective, the Guinea Bar press conference was not necessary. The failed candidates believe that the lawyers’ exit was nothing more than a “threat” and a “warning” from the speakers.
« The press conference organized in the name of the bar by the speakers, who claimed to provide clarifications, denials to the publications of your colleague from the Dépêche Guinée site, this press conference essentially only served three purposes: Firstly it did not served only to make threats against the journalist, against the protesters and even against the press. The second thing, the Bar press conference only served to warn the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals. And the third thing, this press conference only served to give moral lessons to the press, asking them not to show blind solidarity. », added Souleymane Sidibé.
In addition, the collective believes that the Guinea Bar press conference aimed to “silence” the press and to disclose a complaint filed against a journalist even before the High Authority of Communication (HAC) ruled on this matter. affair.
The candidates also refute allegations of low skill level, saying they have completed more than 20 years of internship, which proves their fitness to practice as a lawyer.
The collective remains committed to pursuing their demands until their concerns are met.
Ibrahima Sory Soumah
