Do defenders in criminal proceedings have to be lawyers?

The following persons may be entrusted or designated as defenders:

(1) lawyer;

(2) Citizens recommended by people's organizations or defendant units;

(3) Close relatives and guardians of the defendant;

(four) other citizens approved by the people's court.

Second, the scope of not being a defender.

1, the person subjected to execution (principal punishment, supplementary punishment, suspended sentence)

2. People who are deprived or restricted of personal freedom according to law.

3. The ashes of a person without capacity or with limited capacity.

4, public security, procuratorial, legal and state organs, prison staff.

5. People's jurors in our hospital

6 people who have an interest in the outcome of the trial.

7. Foreigners or stateless persons

(4)-(7) Unless he is a close relative or guardian of the defendant and does not belong to (1)-(3), he is not suitable to be a defender;