Clooney v Blair
Cherie Blair QC has come under fire from a fellow silk for providing counsel to the Maldivian government.
Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically elected leader of his nation, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of terrorism in 2015.
The former president gave a press conference at Doughty Street chambers last week which saw him criticise Blair's law firm, Omnia Strategy, for advising the Maldives's current government.
'It's very sad that a Labour former prime minister's wife has decided to work against the people of the Maldives,' he said. 'Mrs Blair got the wrong end of the stick and dropped this catch.'
A member of Nasheed's pro bono legal team, Amal Clooney did not mention the involvement of the former prime minister's wife. However, another of the team said Blair had 'made a choice' in representing a country that had become a 'hotbed' of fundamentalism.
'I am not going to speculate as to motivations, but as a lawyer the conduct of those involved at the front end of this process has been deeply disappointing,' said Ben Emmerson QC of Matrix chambers. It seems there is no love lost between Blair and members of her former set.
Cue also much speculation that there is beef between the Clooneys and Blairs. Perhaps Tony and Cherie will have to find another celebrity couple to holiday with this year.
