The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland is to be questioned about allegations that a solicitor arrested for suspected terrorist offences was secretly bugged during confidential meetings with clients.
John Bailie , the Law Society of Northern Ireland's chief executive, will demand an explanation when he meets Sir Hugh Orde in Belfast on Monday to discuss the case.
Manmohan Sandhu, 41, was detained by anti-terrorist officers on suspicion of membership of the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force.
Mr Sandhu, from Limavady, Co Derry, was arrested on Tuesday at Antrim Serious Crime Suite, the North's only holding centre for terrorist suspects. Detectives questioning him have been told he can be held until Saturday before deciding whether to charge him.
His solicitor, Joe Rice, claimed the arrest was based on evidence and intelligence from covert listening devices planted at the centre. Mr Sandhu's private consultations with as many as 50 clients over the past nine months were allegedly taped.
Mr Bailie has arranged to hold talks with Sir Hugh after being urged to intervene by Mr Rice. A spokesman for the Law Society chief added: "He will be making no comment about the meeting in advance."
Mr Rice, who stressed his client vehemently protests his innocence, claimed the case posed a huge threat to his profession. "This raises the issue of whether solicitors in Northern Ireland can continue to professionally advise clients because they cannot guarantee their advice will be confidential and free from state interference," he said.
"It's a sad day for our criminal justice process that we cannot assure our clients that our consultations in police stations are confidential."
PA