EVENT INFORMATION

7
October
1976

Prison authorities refuse Mandela permission to instruct lawyers

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Biography ๐Ÿ“… 7 October 1976 ๐Ÿ“ South Africa

Mandela later recorded that he asked the Robben Island commanding officer for permission to instruct lawyers to begin legal proceedings against the Department of Prisons. The request was refused on 7 October. Mandela then smuggled a letter to a Durban law firm seeking legal representation and an interdict against abuse and political persecution. The episode shows the state using prison administration to block access to legal remedies.

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People in this event

Nelson Mandela

Organizations in this Event

Robben Island Prison

South African Department of Prisons

legal defence network