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Liberty names barrister Martha Spurrier as new director Liberty names barrister Martha Spurrier as new director
(about 1 hour later)
Rights group Liberty has named barrister Martha Spurrier as its new director, replacing Shami Chakrabarti who announced her departure in January.Rights group Liberty has named barrister Martha Spurrier as its new director, replacing Shami Chakrabarti who announced her departure in January.
Ms Spurrier will join from Doughty Street Chambers, where she specialised in defending the rights of women, children and disabled people. Ms Spurrier has specialised in defending access to justice and the rights of women, children and disabled people.
She said it was a "huge privilege" to join the organisation.She said it was a "huge privilege" to join the organisation.
Ms Chakrabarti spent 12 years as Liberty's director, repeatedly clashing with governments.Ms Chakrabarti spent 12 years as Liberty's director, repeatedly clashing with governments.
She said she was "proud" to be succeeded by "such a brilliant young barrister".She said she was "proud" to be succeeded by "such a brilliant young barrister".
"With so many threats to refugee protection, online privacy and even our Human Rights Act, Liberty was never more needed," she said. "With so many threats to refugee protection, online privacy and even our Human Rights Act, Liberty was never more needed," Ms Chakrabarti said.
Liberty chairwoman Frances Butler said the new director had "shone out" during the selection process.Liberty chairwoman Frances Butler said the new director had "shone out" during the selection process.
During her work as a barrister, Ms Spurrier acted for the families of people who died in state care, represented victims of rape, domestic violence and trafficking, and challenged attempts to curb press freedom. Moving to Liberty from Doughty Street Chambers, Ms Spurrier has acted for the families of people who died in state care, represented victims of rape, domestic violence and trafficking, and challenged attempts to curb press freedom.
She has also campaigned in support of the UK's Human Rights Act, which the government has pledged to scrap.She has also campaigned in support of the UK's Human Rights Act, which the government has pledged to scrap.
"In this fast-paced, complex, digital world, the battle to defend our human rights faces new frontiers," Ms Butler said. "In this fast-paced, complex, digital world, the battle to defend our human rights faces new frontiers," Ms Spurrier said.
"Liberty must continue to shine a light on abuses of power and protect equality, dignity and fairness in our society."
Ms Spurrier will take up the post at the end of May.Ms Spurrier will take up the post at the end of May.
Eight decades of Liberty