Freedom Under Law (FUL)is concerned at the protests and utterances which occurred this week outside the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. 

FUL recognises that protest, safeguarded by the right to free expression and association, is intrinsic to any constitutional democracy. However protest which threatens violence and harm must register as a threat. So too, protest designed to intimidate and undermine  a commission of inquiry established to address allegations of state capture and corruption and to intimidate witnesses appearing before the commission.

FUL notes in particular the attacks on the evidence leader of the Commission, Mr Paul Pretorius and on the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan and his family. These attacks seem aimed at intimidating those undertaking their professional responsibilities in respect of the Commission and in deterring other prospective witnesses from appearing before the Commission.

FUL calls on those parties alleging that they have incriminating evidence relevant to state capture to make full disclosure to the Commission and not seek to erode its processes. It urges the Commission to use such powers as it has to compel those publicly maintaining they have such evidence to appear before it.