T: +44 (0)20 7583 1315 E: [email protected] W: tgchambers.com/ https://tgchambers.com/member-profile/rodney-dixon-qc/
Rodney Dixon QC
Year of Call: 2000 Experience Year of Silk: 2014 Rodney Dixon QC has a diverse practice in the UK and globally in international law, public law, inquiries, compliance and regulation, and human rights. He appears on behalf of Practice Areas Governments, serving and former Heads of State, politicians, military commanders, individual complainants and defendants, Extradition international organisations, companies and businesses, NGOs, Inquiries and victim groups. He specialises in public international law, Public International Law international criminal law, and human rights and civil liberties Public Law before all international, regional and national courts. His Public Access expertise lies in cases concerning foreign relations, inter-State Undertakes Public Access disputes, the armed forces, international prosecutions and work defence, public inquiries, universal jurisdiction, claims with international components, mediation and arbitration, cross- border proceedings, asset recovery, extradition and mutual Email: assistance. He is described in Chambers and Partners “as an [email protected] exceptional barrister with clients on every continent” and “respected for his excellent advocacy skills and strong client Awards care”.
Rodney’s work covers all international criminal courts; UN proceedings, claims, and special procedures; actions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ); cases at the European Court of Human Rights; applications before the African Commission and African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights; Privy Council cases; bilateral investment treaty matters; territorial and border disputes; public inquiries and investigations; World Bank Sanctions Board proceedings; land claims and reparations; corporate compliance and regulation; page 1 of 29 detentions abroad; Interpol and international and European arrest warrants; and, private international law cases.
He is widely recognised as a leading counsel and expert for all international criminal courts and regularly appears before the ICC and other international criminal courts like the ICTY and ICTR for individual defendants, States, and victims, including on behalf of the UK Government; the Government of Afghanistan; the Government of Kenya; the Comoros Government; the former Government of Egypt; the Government of Rwanda; the Prime Minister of Kosovo; Mr. Abdullah Al-Senussi; victims of the Gaza Flotilla raid; and, interveners in the Sudan ICC Situation in the case concerning President Al Bashir, and victims from Darfur. He is one of a handful of lawyers who has both prosecuted and defended in international courts. He has acted and advised before other hybrid courts including the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Iraqi Special Tribunal, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the War Crimes Division of the High Court of Uganda.
Rodney is highly respected in the field of public inquiries and investigations. He was appointed as a Commissioner on the National Commission of Inquiry into post election violence in Zimbabwe following the elections there in August 2018. He has previously been instructed in several inquiries including, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Disappeared Persons in Sri Lanka; for victims in the Jamaican Commission of Inquiry into the Tivoli Gardens killings; and, as part of the counsel team for the UK Ministry of Defence in the Baha Mousa public inquiry. He was instructed by the Government of South Sudan as an international adviser in respect of legal and judicial reforms under the 2015 Peace Agreement following the civil war. He has advised the Government of Qatar regarding the land, air and sea blockade imposed on the country in 2017. His cases before the European Court of Human Rights have included for the Government of Georgia concerning the conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and for the Ukrainian Government regarding the occupation of Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. He has acted in cases and hearings before the African Court and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights including in relation to mass death sentences imposed in Egypt. He has represented many persons arbitrarily detained abroad, including the former President of South Korea, prominent Moroccan journalist Taoufik Bouachrine, and women detained in Saudi Arabia. Rodney is currently acting for Durham University academic, Matthew Hedges, who was held in solitary confinement in the UAE.
page 2 of 29 Rodney is the co-author of the leading textbook Archbold International on the law, procedure and practice of all international criminal courts, now in its 5th Edition (Sweet & Maxwell). It has been described by Justice Richard Goldstone, the former Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY and ICTR, as the book that “will always be open on the desks in offices” at the courts in The Hague.
Rodney has advised and lectured in the fields of bribery and corruption, money laundering, and cybercrime, with particular emphasis on the cross-border aspects and inter-State co- operation. He regularly lectures at conferences and seminars on international law, human rights, and civil liberties topics. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies, King’s College. He has lectured at the UK armed forces Joint Services Staff College on the law of armed conflict, and was an instructor on the Canadian Armed Forces Law of Armed Conflict Course – Land, Naval and Air Operations. He has trained Judges and lawyers on international law, rule of law and human rights topics in several jurisdictions including in Sri Lanka, Mexico, Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Lebanon, Bosnia, Nigeria, Serbia, Kosovo, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Italy and Germany.
He is often interviewed as an expert commentator including by the BBC, SKY News, Al Jazeera, RT News, and TRT World on topics such as the prosecution of UK soldiers serving abroad, arrest warrants for foreign leaders and universal jurisdiction, business responsibilities and compliance, border disputes, detentions abroad, and the developments in human rights cases around the world.
Directories “Has a superior command of matters relating to international law and human rights. He has exceptional insight into the intersection of international law and politics and is always a pleasure to work with.” “Very well respected and very clever, he has a huge amount of experience in international tribunals.” “Absolutely passionate, he very quickly engages the trust of clients.” Chambers and Partners 2020
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law and in International Crime and Extradition: “Extremely knowledgeable in this area and has a keen appreciation of the differences – procedural and substantive – among national legal systems.” “Very approachable with a razor sharp intellect.” Legal 500 2020 page 3 of 29 “Extremely calm and personable, he gives off an air of confidence and certainty when giving advice. It is always very reassuring to have him involved in a case”. Chambers and Partners 2019
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law: “An excellent QC, very experienced in the field of public international law”, as well as in International Crime and Extradition. Legal 500 2019
“An exceptional barrister, highly esteemed for his wealth of knowledge” in representing international governments and political leaders and handling international criminal law matters before UK courts “who has long experience in international cases. A very good team player who provides invaluable support; an excellent practitioner who guides you through the process”. Chambers and Partners 2018
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law: “Consistently professional, collegial and a pleasure to work with” and in International Crime and Extradition. Legal 500 2017
“An exceptional international lawyer.” “He is extremely impressive, knowledgeable and responsive.” “He’s got clients on every continent,” and is “a force to be reckoned with.” Chambers and Partners 2017
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law: “He has a great public international law practice and a top mind”. Legal 500 2016
Recommended as a leading silk in international criminal law: “An exceptional practitioner”. Legal 500 2016
Recommended in International Criminal Law for representing Governments and leaders and his expertise in the field: “Respected for his excellent advocacy skills and strong client care”, “He is extremely experienced and knows his way around international criminal law”, “He is a very personable practitioner who is very diligent and well liked by clients.” Chambers and Partners 2016
Recommended as Leading Silk in Public International Law:
page 4 of 29 “Very impressive and user-friendly.” Legal 500 2015
Recommended in Public International Law and in International Criminal law: “An acclaimed new silk who regularly represents governments, political figures and military leaders.” “He has an outstanding intellect, works very, very hard and is rated very highly as an advocate. He’s seen as being a real force to be reckoned with.” “Amazing. He’s really on top of all the case law and procedure, and knows exactly what he’s doing.” Chambers and Partners 2015
Recommended in Civil Liberties and Human Rights and in Public International Law: “A confident, and creative approach to the protection and promotion of international human rights.” Legal 500 2014
Recommended in International Criminal Law: “He is praised for his knowledge of this complex area of law. He has great expertise, and has everything at his fingertips.” Chambers and Partners 2014
Recommended in Public International Law: “the clear, eloquent and focused Rodney Dixon who is one of the best counsel who appears before the ICC”, and in Civil Liberties and Human Rights. Legal 500: 2013, 2012 and 2011
Recommended in Public International Law: “recommended for his particularly strong expertise in international humanitarian and criminal law.” Legal 500 2010
Appointments Attorney-General’s Panel of Civil Advocates (2006-2011) and appointed to ‘A’ Panel for Public International Law Accredited Advocacy Trainer, Inner Temple – trained advocacy in the UK and abroad Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Department of War Studies, King’s College London, 2012-2015 Honorary Lecturer, International Law, University of Utrecht, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 Legal adviser (International law) and Counsel in the Office of the Prosecutor of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), 1995-1999 Transferred from ICTY and called to the Bar in 2000 Before working at the ICTY, qualified as a solicitor in South Africa
page 5 of 29 Education BA LLB, Rhodes University, South Africa LLM (International Law and Human Rights, cum laude), Notre Dame University, USA D.Phil candidate (International Law), Oxford University, Wolfson College
Memberships Association of Defence Counsel of the ICTY (ADC) List of Counsel of the International Criminal Court (ICC) List of Counsel for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) List of Counsel for the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) List of Counsel for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) Member of the Executive Council of the ICC Bar Association (ICCBA) (2017-2020) Disciplinary Committee of the ADC (2004-2005) Member of South Eastern Circuit
Cases Government of Afghanistan
24/04/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting as Counsel for the Government of Afghanistan in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Afghanistan Situation in respect of alleged international crimes committed during the conflict.
Appeared in proceedings before the ICC Appeals Chamber in the Prosecutor’s appeal on her application to open an ICC investigation, and currently acting in deferral proceedings for the ICC investigation to be deferred to the Afghan national authorities.
Uyghur genocide and crimes against humanity case
08/03/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for the East Turkestan Government in Exile and Uyghur victims in proceedings before the ICC in respect of the alleged genocide and crimes against humanity committed by Chinese authorities against Uyghurs in ICC States Parties and in East Turkestan/Xinjiang in China.
Government of Montenegro v Dr Dusko Knezevic
06/03/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Instructed on behalf of Dr Dusko Knezevic, a leading figure in Montenegro, in the extradition request by the Government of Montenegro before UK courts.
page 6 of 29 Matthew Hedges, UK academic held in solitary confinement
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing Durham University academic who was held in solitary confinement for over 6 months in the UAE. Various legal actions being taken to obtain redress and compensation.
Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of slain Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Legal actions for the murder have been taken in several jurisdictions, and various representations made in respect of the proposed Saudi takeover of Newcastle United Football club and other sporting events hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
UN sanctions proceedings
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing high profile persons under UN sanctions in confidential proceedings before the UN Sanctions Committee to have the sanctions against them lifted both in respect of asset freezes and travel bans.
Ofcom unfair broadcasting and privacy complaints
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acted in complaint proceedings before Ofcom on behalf of persons who claimed that they had been treated unfairly and unjustly and had their privacy infringed due to broadcasts in the UK by a foreign news channel. Substantial fines were imposed on the news channel for the broadcasts and civil proceedings are now underway.
Princess Latifa Al Maktoum
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing Princess Latifa before the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) which is considering her case. She has not been seen in public for over 2 years following a failed attempt to escape from her family in Dubai in March 2018 when she was captured off the Indian coast while fleeing from the UAE.
Princess Latifa’s father Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is currently involved in child custody proceedings in the High Court in London against Princess Haya (Princess Latifa’s step mother) who recently escaped from the UAE to the UK. WGEID remains seized of the case and has been requested to take urgent steps to secure Princess Latifa’s release.
Kosovo Specialist Chambers
10/01/2019 page 7 of 29 Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing suspects in proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC). The KSC was established as part of the judicial system of Kosovo to conduct investigations and trials in respect of allegations stemming from the 2011 Council of Europe report which alleges serious violations of international law.
The KSC has a seat in The Hague and is staffed with international judges and prosecutors.
Syria conflict and refugees
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing a large group of refugees who have been forced to flee Syria into Jordan as a result of the conflict and are living in refugee camps there. An application to the ICC Prosecutor has been filed on their behalf to open an investigation into the crimes against humanity of unlawful deportation from Syria to Jordan and related offences.
It is the first time that such an application has been made on behalf of Syrian refugees over which the Court has jurisdiction in light of recent rulings by the Court.
Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Serving as a Commissioner on the national Commission of Inquiry into post election violence in Zimbabwe following the August 2018 elections. Appointed by the President of Zimbabwe pursuant to the national Commissions of Inquiry Act.
World Bank proceedings
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for companies in proceedings concerning allegations of corruption and bribery before the World Bank, Sanctions Board. Hearings to be held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC.
Kenya Land Commission
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing hundreds of persons displaced from their lands in Kericho County, Kenya, during the colonial period and thereafter. Hearings have been held before the National Land Commission in Kenya in order to seek reparations and compensation for those dispossessed.
Trial of prominent Moroccan journalist
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting as international counsel for a leading journalist in Morocco, Mr Taoufik Bouachrine, who has been charged with human
page 8 of 29 trafficking, rape and sexual assault. His trial has taken place before the criminal court in Casablanca.
Human Rights Report on Saudi Arabia
2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Instructed to prepare legal opinion and report on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia following the wave of arrests and detentions in September 2017. A copy of the report is here and interview about the report here.
The report is being submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for consideration. Families of certain of those detained had asked for the report to be prepared and provided to UN bodies and Governments.
Death penalty cases before the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights
2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing persons on death row in Egypt in proceedings before the African Commission to have their death sentences set aside (Communication 670/17). The application concerns 16 persons sentenced to death by Egyptian courts. The African Commission has ordered provisional measures directing the Government of Egypt to suspend the death sentences pending the outcome of the proceedings.
UK Government in Iraq Situation at ICC
2015-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC is Counsel for the UK Government at the ICC in the Preliminary Examination for the Iraq Situation which concerns allegations of war crimes committed in Iraq.
UAE torture cases
14 September 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for three prominent Qatari nationals who were allegedly unlawfully detained and tortured in the UAE between 2013 and 2015 by UAE security officials before being released as a result of an agreement between the Governments of the UAE and Qatar. The Met Police have been requested to investigate the case under the universal jurisdiction provisions on torture of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Former President Park Geun-hye of South Korea
August 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing in international proceedings the former President of South Korea who has been impeached and is currently detained and on trial in Seoul on charges of corruption, bribery and abuse of power. Family, close associates and supporters have instructed
page 9 of 29 Rodney Dixon QC to take all steps internationally to challenge President Park’s detention, particularly in light of her deteriorating health condition. Urgent proceedings have been launched before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva and other UN bodies to protect the former President’s rights and safeguard her well-being.
Government of South Sudan
28/09/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Appointed to act as international legal adviser to the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan on legal and judicial reform relating to the 2015 Peace Agreement following the civil war in South Sudan.
Georgia v Russia, European Court of Human Rights
28/09/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing Georgia (being led by Ben Emmerson QC) in case against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. The case concerns the conflict that broke out between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 in South Ossetia. Georgia is proceeding against Russia in an inter-State action for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed against Georgian civilians during the conflict including in respect of unlawful killings from bombardments and attacks on towns and villages, and torture and ill-treatment of captured prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
Bangladesh terrorist attack
28/09/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting as international counsel on behalf of a British national, Hasnat Karim, who was arrested following the terrorist attack on a cafe in Dhaka on 1 July. Mr Karim remains in custody in Dhaka without having been charged with any offence.
Dogan et al v Barak, US Federal Court for Central District of California
2015-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for plaintiffs in civil claims for wrongful death under the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA) and the Alien Torts Statute (ATS).
Sri Lankan Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Missing Persons
2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC advised on matters of international law to the Advisory Council of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry examining the final stages of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Final report of the Commission was tabled in Parliament in October 2015.
Schermerhorn et al v State of Israel, US District Court for the District of Columbia
page 10 of 29 2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing US and other plaintiffs in civil suit for damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act arising from an attack on a US ship on the high seas.
529 and 122 Persons sentenced to death v Egypt, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acted in extended proceedings before the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and United Nations brought on behalf of those sentenced to death in mass trials in Egypt in 2014. Made representations before the Commission at its seat in The Gambia. The death sentences were eventually set aside or are being reviewed.
Government of Comoros v ICC Prosecutor, ICC
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC is acting for the Government of the Union of the Comoros before the ICC in respect of the attack on the Gaza Flotilla on the High Seas in May 2010. Judicial review proceedings have been successfully brought against the decision of the ICC Prosecutor not to initiate an investigation into alleged war crimes.
President Mohamed Morsi and former Government of Egypt, various courts
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing Dr Morsi, his Government and the Freedom and Justice Party of Egypt in several jurisdictions following the coup in Egypt in 2013 including before the UN, ICC, African Commission, and in judicial review proceedings in the UK concerning the immunity of state and military officials.
Prosecutor v Al-Jadeed TV and Karma Khayat, Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Karim A. A. Khan QC Rodney Dixon QC Dato Shyamala Alagendra Karim Khan QC, Rodney Dixon QC and Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra represented TV station and journalist in trial at STL on allegations of witness interference. This is the first trial before an international court in which a corporate entity has faced charges. TV station and journalist has been acquitted of all counts.
Tivoli Gardens National Commission of Inquiry, Jamaica
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing residents of Tivoli Gardens, who were victims of an attack and killings in Kingston, Jamaica in 2010, before the National Commission of Inquiry and in other international actions.
page 11 of 29 MISHANA HOSSEINION (ON BEHALF OF SAIF AL-ISLAM GADDAFI) V LIBYA
2013 - 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Submitted a ground-breaking communication to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on behalf of Mishana Hosseinioun, which became one of the first cases which the African Commission submitted to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Both the Court and the Commission imposed interim measures on Libya. The Court ultimately concluded that Libya had violated the rights of Dr Gaddafi.
Government of Sudan
2012-2014
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Advising the Government of Sudan in respect of border and territorial disputes that were referred to the United Nations and the African Union.
ICC Prosecutor v Abdullah Al-Senussi, ICC
2012-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting on behalf of former Intelligence Chief of Libya for the late Colonel Gaddafi in proceedings before the ICC and in other jurisdictions.
Government of Kenya v ICC Prosecutor, ICC
2011–2013
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Counsel for the Kenyan Government in the Kenya cases before the ICC, inter alia against the President and Deputy President of Kenya, including in admissibility proceedings on grounds of complementarity.
Prosecutor v Ramush Haradinaj, ICTY
2005-2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting on behalf of former PM of Kosovo on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in protracted trial, appellate, and re-trial proceedings before the ICTY. Mr Haradinaj was acquitted of all charges at the first and second trials.
Prosecutor v Prince Taylor, Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL)
2012-2013
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC
page 12 of 29 Defence Counsel for former investigator of Charles Taylor (ex-President of Liberia) on charges of bribery before the SCSL. Mr. Taylor was acquitted of all counts.
Al-Jedda v Secretary of State for Home Department, Supreme Court
2010-2013
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for Home Office in case concerning the deprivation of UK citizenship and statelessness.
Tariq Aziz v Attorney-General, High Court
2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing the AG in judicial review of the AG’s refusal to grant permission to prosecute Tony Blair for alleged war crimes in Iraq.
Ra’aid Ali and others v Secretary of State for Defence, High Court
2010-2011
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for the Ministry of Defence in judicial review proceedings concerning allegations of torture and inhuman treatment in detention facilities in Iraq.
Harty v Sabre International Security, High Court
2010-2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Representing private security officer injured in Iraq in a civil claim in which jurisdiction to proceed in the UK before UK courts and the applicable law, were central issues.
Chung v Foreign and Commonwealth Office, High Court
2009-2011
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Counsel for the Foreign Office in proceedings concerning a claim for damages arising from an alleged unlawful extradition of a British national from the US to Hong Kong.
Synergy Child Services v OFSTED
2009-2010
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Acting for OFSTED in Care Standards Tribunal inquiry into allegations of child abuse and child protection issues.
page 13 of 29 Bilateral investment treaty advice
2008-2010
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Counsel advising in respect of investment treaty matters arising from banking crisis in the UK and abroad.
Prosecutor v Amir Kubura, ICTY
2003-2006
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Represented military commander of Bosnian Army before ICTY on allegations of command responsibility for the killings committed by foreign ‘mujahedin’ fighters in central Bosnia during the armed conflict in Bosnia. Mr. Kubura was acquitted of all murder counts.
Government of Mauritius, Privy Council
2004-2007
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Represented the Government of Mauritius in various cases before the Privy Council, including Tyack v The State of Mauritius concerning the application of UK sentencing guidelines in Mauritius.
Publications Archbold International, Sweet & Maxwell, 5th Edition, January 2019 10/01/2019
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Leading text on law and procedure before all international criminal courts.
Archbold International, Sweet & Maxwell, 4th Edition, 2015 31/01/2015
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Karim A. A. Khan QC Leading text on law and procedure before all international criminal courts.
Commentary on Rome Statute (Ed. Prof. Triffterer), 2015 (3rd Edition) 30/01/2015
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Authored chapters on ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ and ‘Protection of National Security Information’
Technological Innovation, Non-Obvious Warfare and the Challenges to International Law 30/11/2014
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Expert participant in international and comparative study by King’s College Department of War Studies. Co-sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
page 14 of 29 International Criminal Law and National Prosecutions of War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia 01/01/2011
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Senior Expert Consultant for OSCE War Crimes Justice Project in the former Yugoslavia which produced publication and training manual on International Criminal Law and domestic prosecutions of war crimes.
News UN Special Rapporteurs Express Serious Concern about Colonial Human Rights Abuses in Kericho County, Kenya 17/08/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne Coulon The UK Government did not respond formally to the UN Special Rapporteurs. The Communication will now be presented to the UN Human Rights Council.
During the pre-colonial and colonial era in Kenya, the Kipsigis and Talai peoples were progressively evicted from fertile land in Kericho County to make way for European settlers. The Kipsigis and Talai were forcibly displaced and made to live in overcrowded and poorly resourced reserves. The Talai peoples were deported and internally exiled to Gwasi, where living conditions were devastatingly harsh.
The conclusions of the UN Special Rapporteurs build on earlier findings by the Kenyan National Land Commission. In 2018 Counsel for the victims submitted an application to the National Land Commission on behalf of the victims, and represented them at hearings of the Commission. In 2019, the Kenyan National Land Commission determined that the Kipsigis and Talai peoples were victims of historical land injustices and made recommendations for reparations to the UK and Kenyan Governments.
The Kipsigis and Talai peoples of Kericho County continue to pursue their claims for truth, justice and reparations.
You can view the publication at https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/03/un-criticises-uk-for-failure-to-redress-colonial-era-land-grab-in-keny a
Rodney Dixon QC and Émilie Pottle instructed in High-Profile Montenegrin Request for Extradition 29/06/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Émilie Pottle Dr Knezevic is a high-profile individual who has been outspoken against the current President of Montenegro; he will contend that the request is politically motivated. The extradition hearing is expected to be held in early 2022.
Rodney and Émilie are instructed by Amjid Jabbar of Stokoe Partnership Solicitors.
New Evidence submitted to the ICC on behalf of Uyghurs 10/06/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul Erdunast The new evidence concerns inter alia the mass deportation of Uyghurs living in Tajikistan (an ICC State Party) by Chinese authorities into China, where they have not been heard from again. The fact that the crimes were committed on the territory of an ICC State Party and continued into China provides the Court with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The filing follows an extensive on the ground investigation over the past months in various countries, which is ongoing.
Links to news reports here:
page 15 of 29 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/china-accused-of-seizing-uighurs-who-fled-abroad-r9lfc2qfn https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/politics/lawyers-urge-icc-to-probe-alleged-crimes-against-uyghurs/2021/ 06/10/f26a9cf2-c9cf-11eb-8708-64991f2acf28_story.html%3foutputType=amp
Torture victims Dr Al-Jaidah and Mr Al-Hammadi send formal notification of civil claims to Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC 25/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Sian Reeves Dr Al-Jaidah and Mr Al-Hammadi were arrested and detained in the UAE several years ago. During their detention, they were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit. In June 2017 their forced confessions were broadcast on the Abu Dhabi Channel in the UK as though they were voluntary interviews.
The civil claims follow successful fairness and privacy complaints submitted to Ofcom in relation to the broadcast of their forced confessions. In November 2020 Ofcom found that Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC had violated the fairness and privacy provisions of the Broadcasting Code. Copies of Ofcom’s Adjudication Decisions can be found here and here.
Following Ofcom’s Adjudication Decisions and whilst sanctions for breaches were being considered, Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC surrendered their only UK broadcasting licence with effect from 1 January 2021. On 5 May 2021 Ofcom imposed sanctions on Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC consisting of two financial penalties of £125,000. Copies of Ofcom’s Sanction Decisions can be found here and here.
Rodney Dixon QC assisted by Sian Reeves, act for Dr Al-Jaidah and Mr Al-Hammadi on a Direct Access basis.
Press reporting of the civil claims can be found at the link below.
You can view the publication at https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2021/05/25/qataris-launch-legal-action-in-uk-against-uae-channel-for-airing-confession s-gained-by-torture/?sh=6655e5ec1cc7
High level delegation from the Government of Afghanistan meets ICC Prosecutor about Afghanistan’s deferral application. 12/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne Coulon Rodney Dixon QC with Aidan Ellis and Anne Coulon represent the Government of Afghanistan in the proceedings before the ICC.
Press release from the meeting can be found here: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=pr1591 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghan-foreign-minister-meets-icc-prosecutors-discuss-war-crimes-investigation-2021-05 -09/
Academic Matthew Hedges issues civil proceedings in the High Court for his detention and torture in the UAE 11/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Rodney Dixon QC assisted by Aidan Ellis act for Mr Hedges, instructed by Carter Ruck Solicitors. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-56998407
page 16 of 29 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9546029/British-academic-sues-UAE-officials-claims-tortured-accused-spying.html
UN petitioned to intervene for release of Princess Latifa 17/02/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The UN has now stated that it will take action, and the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, has said that people want to see that the Princess is alive and well. See the links to recent reports: https://news.sky.com/story/princess-latifa-uk-under-pressure-to-act-over-allegations-against-dubais-ruler-12220358 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/princess-latifa-kept-under-house-arrest-in-dubai-by-father-gr9n2v3ds
Ofcom finds breaches of the Broadcasting Code 11/11/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The adjudication has found that the TV station violated the fairness and privacy provisions of the Code. Sanctions for these breaches are now being considered. The decision is here.
Renewed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh 28/10/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC One of the central international law issues arises in respect of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan when set against the claims of self determination by Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The commentaries are linked here: https://www.ibtimes.com/human-rights-news-importance-international-law-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-3063730 https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/feedback/letters-roundup-26-october-2020/5106105.article
Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancé files federal civil suit in Washington DC 21/10/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Ms Cengiz has filed the case as a means of uncovering the truth and holding the perpetrators to account. Rodney Dixon QC is acting on behalf of Ms Cengiz in pursuing all legal avenues to obtain justice and redress for Mr Khashoggi’s murder. The civil suit has been very widely reported on, for example see links below: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-middle-east-54619729 https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/jamal-khashoggi-journalists-fiancee-sues-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed- bin-salman-over-his-killing-12109910
European Parliament commemorates Jamal Khashoggi’s murder 02/10/2020
page 17 of 29 Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The Dissident Trailer
You can view the publication on our website http://tgchambers.com
Rodney Dixon QC and Rhys Davies file submissions at the United Nations on behalf of the Huwaitat tribe in Saudi Arabia, following forced evictions and killings in pursuit of the Neom mega-city project 23/09/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys Davies The Huwaitat Tribe have been living in their ancestral lands for hundreds of years and have been forcefully evicted from their homeland by the Saudi authorities in order to make way for the NEOM Megacity project. The communication urges the two UN rapporteurs, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to open an investigation on behalf of the Huwaitat tribe and to take all necessary steps to protect their rights.
ICC Uyghur Complaint is widely supported 12/08/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul Erdunast Media outlets around the world have reported on the filing. The news reports have highlighted that credible evidence of serious international crimes has been submitted to the Prosecutor including in respect of the alleged deportation of Uyghurs by the Chinese authorities from outside of China into East Turkestan, and that the scale and gravity of the crimes warranted a full investigation to be opened by the Prosecutor. The links to certain of the news articles are here:
The Guardian – Exiled Uighurs call on ICC to investigate Chinese ‘genocide’ in Xinjiang https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/exiled-uighurs-call-on-icc-to-investigate-chinese-genocide-in-xinjiang The Independent – Exiled Uighurs push for ICC to investigate ‘genocide’ in Xinjiang https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/uighur-china-exiles-icc-genocide-crimes-against-humanity-complaint-a9606921. html The Times – Uighurs seek genocide charges against Beijing https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uighurs-seek-genocide-charges-against-beijing-cq6hdrjcc Al Jazeera English – Uighur group urges ICC to probe alleged China genocide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBwJbvaVcYY New York Times – Uighur Exiles Push for Court Case Accusing China of Genocide https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/world/asia/china-xinjiang-uighur-court.html RFI Radio France Internationale – Dossier Ouïghour à la CPI : «Nos éléments de preuve sont accablants», selon l’avocate Anne Coulon https://www.rfi.fr/fr/asie-pacifique/20200723-ouïghours-dossier-cpi-chine-avocate-anne-coulon Libération – CPI: timide Espoir pour les Ouïghours et les Rohingyas https://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.liberation.fr/amphtml/planete/2020/08/03/timide-espoir-pour-les-ouighours-et-les-rohingyas_1 795972 Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewelinaochab/2020/07/07/could-the-international-criminal-court-investigate-atrocities-against-the-u ighur-muslims-in-china/#2b1e1a932cbe Washington Post – https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/whats-happening-in-xinjiang-is-genocide/2020/07/06/cde3f9da-bfaa- 11ea-9fdd-b7ac6b051dc8_story.html BBC Newsnight – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08l1dhw CNN – https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/30/asia/xinjiang-sterilization-women-human-rights-intl-hnk/index.html Wall Street Journal – https://www.wsj.com/articles/representatives-of-chinas-uighurs-file-evidence-to-international-criminal-court-11594078290
Many Governments have since spoken out against the crimes being committed against the Uyghur peoples. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently stated that the UK Government has “serious concerns about the treatment of the Uyghurs and about the human rights abuses”, while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab denounced the “gross, egregious human rights violations”.
The ICC Prosecutor is currently considering the Complaint that has been filed to determine whether to apply to the Judges to open an investigation. Rodney Dixon QC, Anne Coulon and Paul Erdunast are representing the East Turkestan Government in exile in page 18 of 29 these proceedings before the ICC.
Newcastle United Football Club takeover collapses 04/08/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Ms Cengiz is represented by Rodney Dixon QC who has made submissions on her behalf showing that it would have been a breach of the Premier League Rules if the acquisition had proceeded. This is because Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is headed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who is accused of murdering Jamal Khashoggi. Ms Cengiz continues to pursue all legal avenues to hold those responsible to account.
See link below.
You can view the publication at https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/jamal-khashoggis-fiance-welcomes-news-18691907
Complaint filed at International Criminal Court (ICC) on behalf of the East Turkistan Government in Exile 08/07/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul Erdunast China is not a State Party to the ICC Statute. The Prosecutor can however exercise jurisdiction over these alleged crimes due to the evidence presented in the Complaint that they are continuing crimes which started in Tajikistan and Cambodia, which are both ICC States Parties, where Uyghurs were rounded up by the Chinese authorities and deported to China to be imprisoned in mass detention centres. The Prosecutor has indicated that she is now considering the Complaint in order to decide whether to take the case forward.
See links : New York Times; The Guardian; The Wall Street Journal.
Trial opens for murder of Jamal Khashoggi 03/07/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The central criminal court in Istanbul will hear the case in which 20 Saudi officials have been charged. They are going on trial in absentia. Ms Cengiz will give her testimony today.
You can view the publication at https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKBN2426FX
Government of Afghanistan submits deferral request to the ICC 16/06/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne Coulon The ICC Prosecutor is obliged to defer to the State concerning unless she obtains the Pre-Trial Chamber’s authority to proceed with an investigation. The procedure is provided for in Article 18 of the ICC Statute, which gives expression to the principle of complementarity, namely that States enjoy primacy over the investigation and prosecution of international crimes and the ICC is a court of last resort. This is the first deferral request to be submitted and considered at the ICC.
Takeover bid for Newcastle United Football Club 29/04/2020 Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC page 19 of 29 The Crown Prince has been accused of ordering Khashoggi’s murder and covering up his responsibility and that of his inner circle. There are provisions in the Rules of the Premier League which permit the Board to take into account when scrutinising such acquisitions, conduct that would amount to an offence if it had occurred in the UK even if there is no conviction.
See media coverage at the following links : The Guardian; Sky News
ICC Appeals Chamber hears appeal on the conflict in Afghanistan 04/12/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne Coulon It concerns the decision of the Court to refuse to open an investigation in respect of international crimes committed by Afghan, US and Taliban forces during the conflict on the grounds that there are substantial reasons to believe that it would not be in the interests of justice to open such an investigation, particularly in light of the current obstacles to conducting effective investigations in Afghanistan. The Government of Afghanistan has filed written submissions on the nature and extent of its national investigations and proceedings and the points on appeal, and is presenting oral submissions before the Appeals Chamber this week.
UN hears evidence about detained Princess Latifa Al Maktoum 30/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Princess Latifa has not been seen in public for over 18 months following a failed attempt to escape from her family in March 2018 when she was captured off the Indian coast while fleeing on a US flagged yacht. Her father Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is currently involved in child custody proceedings in the High Court in London against Princess Haya (Princess Latifa’s step mother) who recently escaped from the UAE to the UK. WGEID remains seized of the case and has been requested to take urgent steps to secure Princess Latifa’s release.
You can view the publication at https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9951961/campaign-to-free-dubai-rulers-tortured-and-imprisoned-daughter-princess-latifa-top-british -human-rights-lawyers-un-hearing/
Rodney Dixon QC and Juliet Wells address an event at the 42nd Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva 16/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet Wells In his address, Rodney set the recent executions in context, highlighting the mass arrests of government critics and human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia since 2017. Juliet discussed human rights violations committed by the Saudi regime in administering the death penalty in a cruel and inhumane manner, and in withholding the remains of victims from their families, and explored the legal remedies available to the families.
Other speakers at the event included Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Saul Lehrfreund (Co-Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project), and Baroness Janet Whitaker. The press release for the event can be viewed below.
You can view the publication at https://www.deathpenaltyproject.org/2019/09/12/press-release-the-death-penalty-and-illegal-executions-in-saudi-arabia/
Claim filed at the UN on behalf of Kenyan victims of colonial abuses 13/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis The violations concern the forcible acquisition of ancestral lands in Kericho County (well-known for its tea plantations), the abuses perpetrated, and continuing effects on the local population. The victims are asking the UN to investigate these allegations, to conduct site visits, and to engage with the parties including the UK Government to settle these claims and compensate the victims.
page 20 of 29 Rodney Dixon QC and Aidan Ellis are instructed by J.K. Bosek & Company, Advocates, Nairobi.
See news links to The Guardian here, and to The Times below.
You can view the publication at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kenyans-appeal-to-un-to-right-colonial-wrongs-gfknmw5gh
ICC Appeals Chamber orders ICC Prosecutor to reconsider Gaza Flotilla case 06/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC initiated the judicial review proceedings of the Prosecutor’s decision on behalf of the Government of the Union of the Comoros, an ICC State Party on whose vessel the attack took place and who referred the case to the ICC. The Prosecutor is required to reconsider her decision by 2 December 2019. This is the first ruling by the ICC Appeals Chamber on the scope of judicial review proceedings before the ICC.
Rodney Dixon QC is instructed by solicitors Stoke White Ltd, London on behalf of the Comoros.
You can view the publication at https://www.courthousenews.com/international-criminal-court-told-to-reconsider-case-against-israel/
Rodney Dixon QC and Juliet Wells make complaint to FIFA on behalf of client tortured in the UAE 15/07/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet Wells In the complaint, Rodney and Juliet argue that FIFA and its member organisations did not have adequate human rights and safeguarding policies in place, and that they failed in their duties to protect fans such as Mr Ahmad from violence and discrimination perpetrated by the host state. Please see the link below for news coverage in English.
You can view the publication at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-48948129
Rodney Dixon QC and Juliet Wells attend the 41st Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva on behalf of clients detained in Saudi Arabia 25/06/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet Wells Ms Desai and Ms Mohammad spoke about their experiences at the event, alongside Hatice Cengiz (the fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi), Agnes Callamard (the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions), Abdullah Alaoudh (an academic and the son of imprisoned cleric Salman Al-Awdah), and Matthew Hedges. Please see the link below for the event programme. See here and here for news items in English.
Rodney and Juliet are instructed by Cameron Doley of Carter-Ruck Solicitors.
You can view the publication at http://tgchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Silencing-Dissent-Event-Invitation-25.06.pdf
Urgent Communication submitted to UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, summary or arbitary Executions 20/05/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys Davies It is currently held by the Moroccan authorities due to Mr. Bouachrine’s ongoing criminal proceedings in Morocco. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently held that Mr Bouachrine’s detention was arbitrary and that his trial proceedings had been marred by violations of his right to a fair trial, and directed that the Moroccan authorities release him immediately, following Counsel’s application to the Working Group. The mobile phone is potentially relevant to the Special Rapporteur’s investigation as Mr page 21 of 29 Boucharine has stated that it contains text messages sent between himself and Mr Khashoggi about their safety and security in the period prior to Mr Khashoggi’s murder and Mr Bouachrine’s arrest. Both of them as leading human rights journalists had been highly critical of the Saudi government and its policies. Mr Bouachrine’s appeal proceedings continue in Casablanca.
Please see link below for English news item, and here for news item in French.
You can view the publication at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-7041659/Lawyers-jailed-Morocco-journalist-urge-phone-release-Khashoggi-probe.html
ICC Appeals Chamber hears landmark appeal 03/05/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The case concerned the interception of the Mavi Marmara ship (sailing under the flag of the Comoros, an ICC State Party) in May 2010 on the high seas by the Israeli Defence Forces when it was carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. This is the first time that the ICC Appeals Chamber has heard an appeal from judicial review proceedings initiated by a State Party. The hearing was also attended by many of the victims of the raid and the families of the deceased.
ICC investigations in Palestine 19/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The ICC Prosecutor indicated in her latest report on Preliminary Examinations in December 2018 that she intends to make a decision on whether to open an investigation in the Palestine Situation “as early as possible”. No date has been given. In light of this examination already having been underway for over 3 years since January 2015, MH Group will urge that these proceedings are expedited before the Court in the interests of those who have been subjected to the most serious international crimes. MH Group will be acting in close consultation with Palestinian victims of these crimes, as well as civil society and international bodies.
MH Group is an independent, global human rights consultancy which undertakes justice advocacy work worldwide including in cases in the US, UK, Libya, and South Korea, and in dealings with international bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council, the ICC, the African Commission and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Its President is Dr. Mishana Hosseinioun, Lecturer in International Relations, Oxford University.
Kenyan National Land Commission finds Historical Land Injustices in Kericho County, Kenya 14/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Rodney Dixon QC and Aidan Ellis, instructed by JK Bosek & Associates, Nairobi, filed extensive written submissions and represented the victims at oral hearings in Kericho County. They have just returned from a consultative forum with the victims in Kenya on the steps to be taken to implement these findings.
The case has been widely reported in the Kenyan media – see link below.
You can view the publication at https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001315123/land-team-backs-case-on-britain-s-atrocities
Rodney Dixon QC representing Syrian refugees in Jordan 07/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC It is the first time that such an application has been made on behalf of refugees over which the Court has jurisdiction in light of recent rulings by the Court.
Fur further details please links to news below and here. You can view the publication at page 22 of 29 https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/mar/07/syrian-refugees-launch-legal-bid-to-try-assad-for-crimes-against-humanity
International Criminal Law Conference 18/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC is the keynote speaker at Kingsley Napley International Criminal Law Conference today. Please see click here for further information.
Rodney Dixon QC is representing Briton Matthew Hedges as International Counsel 22/11/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney is instructed by Matthew’s wife Daniela Tejada in both the Appeal process and also to assist in diplomatic efforts between the Foreign Office and the UAE authorities to urgently review the conviction and sentence. See link.
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber orders ICC Prosecutor to reconsider her decision not to investigate the raid on the Mavi Marmara ship in the Gaza Flotilla 19/11/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC It resulted in the deaths of 10 passengers and over 50 persons were injured. The Prosecutor was previously ordered by the Chamber to reconsider her decision, and following a review, she reached the same decision. A second judicial review application was thus submitted by the Comoros (a State Party of the ICC under whose flag the Mavi Marmara was sailing) and over 300 passengers, represented by Rodney Dixon QC (instructed by Stoke & White Ltd, London). In light of the extensive delays in this case, the Chamber has given the Prosecutor a fixed period of 6 months until May 2019 to reconsider her decision.
A link to the Chamber’s decision can be found here.
Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence 14/11/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rodney Dixon QC is serving as a Commissioner on the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the President of Zimbabwe under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. The Commission consists of seven members and is chaired by the former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe. To date the Commission has heard over 120 witnesses, including the families of the deceased, and has held hearings in all judicial divisions, namely Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare.
Kenya National Land Commission hearings 12/10/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis The hearings were a culmination of many years of investigation and evidence gathering on behalf of the complainants, and certain of them testified before the commissioners. The Commission was authorised to receive and investigate all historical land injustice complaints and recommend appropriate redress by amendment to the National Land Commission Act in 2016. The Commission will in due course present its findings and recommendations for the Kericho claims to the Kenyan Government.
page 23 of 29 The Human Rights Situation in Saudi Arabia 09/10/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys Davies He co-authored a report on detentions in Saudi Arabia with Lord Ken Macdonald QC earlier this year which has been submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The webpage of the conference is here which includes the livestream of the event. Rhys Davies also participated in the event.
Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry 20/09/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The seven person Commission is chaired by the former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, and includes the former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku. The Commission will now commence its work with sittings to be held in Harare.
You can view the publication at https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/emmerson-mnangagwa-sets-up-commission-of-inquiry-into-post-election-violence/4549217.html
Emily Wilsdon chairs panel, organised by Rodney Dixon QC and the AOHR, on religious freedoms in IHL, the blockade of Qatar and the Hajj 25/07/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Emily Wilsdon The speakers were Emily Wilsdon, Prof. Javaid Rehman (Professor at Brunel University, and UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran), Adam Smith-Anthony (Senior Associate at Omnia Strategy LLP), Rukshana Pervin Hoque (Solicitor and media specialist), and Alia Yamakoglu (Turkish and British lawyer, Akinci Law Firm).
The panel discussed the international human rights context, the impact on religious rights, and the steps that could be taken to protect the rights of all persons irrespective of their political persuasions, legal, political and diplomatic.
The seminar was convened by the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK (AOHR), assisted by Rodney Dixon QC, and hosted by Andy Slaughter MP for Hammersmith and Fulham.
You can view the publication at http://aohr.org.uk/index.php/en/campaigns/item/9076-seminar-the-pilgrimage-hajj-and-religious-freedoms-under-siege.html
The War in Yemen 02/07/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC It was hosted by the American Society of International Law and the Washington Foreign Law Society and held at the Stimson Center in Washington DC. The experts included Ambassador Stephen Rapp, former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes; Prof. David Crane, former Prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone; Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East and North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch; and Don Picard, Chief Legal Adviser, Yemen Peace Project and Partner, Picard, Kentz & Rowe. The full recording of the event can be found at the link below.
You can view the publication at https://www.facebook.com/2094616774123628/videos/2107261996192439/
Event in Parliament on detentions in Saudi Arabia 12/06/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Myles Grandison Aidan Ellis The invitation for the event is below. It will take place on Wednesday 13 June at 5.30pm and be held in Conference Room A, 1 Parliament Street entrance.
page 24 of 29 You can view the publication at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/shrouded-in-secrecy-detentions-in-saudi-arabia-tickets-46653901074
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has heard closing arguments on the merits in the inter-state case Georgia v the Russian Federation 24/05/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The case also concerns the abuses that followed during Russia’s occupation of these territories which continues until today. This is the first inter-state case before the Court that has addressed breaches of human rights during an armed conflict.
California Court of Appeal hears landmark immunity case 13/04/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Furkan’s parents have proceeded against Ehud Barak, former Israeli Minister of Defence at the time for civil damages under the Alien Torts Statute and Torture Victim Protection Act in the courts of California. Jurisdiction was founded by service on Mr Barak in 2015 while on a lecture tour in the Los Angeles area. The District Court dismissed the case in the first instance on the grounds that Mr Barak as a former state official enjoys official immunity from suit. The Court of Appeal will today hear the complainants’ appeal on the grounds that as a matter of national and international law former state officials are not immunised for the most serious violations of international law.
The matter has never been determined by the California Court of Appeal or the US Supreme Court. The well-known Pinochet case in the UK that denied immunity to the former Chilean dictator is one of several international precedents relied on.
Rodney is working with Californian veteran civil rights lawyer, Dan Stormer from Hadsell, Stormer and Renick.
You can view the publication at https://www.hadsellstormer.com/blog/2018/04/ninth-circuit-appeal-scheduled-in-hsr-lawsuit-against-former-israeli-prime-minister-eh ud-barak-for-d.shtml
Prominent Moroccan journalist arrested and on trial 09/04/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC His trial is taking place before the Court in Casablanca. He has been an outspoken critic in his journalism of the government’s policies. He denies all the charges.
You can view the publication at http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/line-pushing-moroccan-journalist-court-rape-allegations-no-evidence-press-freedom-13033352 14
Legal Report on Human Rights situation in Saudi Arabia released 01/02/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis They were asked by certain families of those detained to inquire into the circumstances and produce a legal report on the breaches of international human rights law with recommendations. The report is being submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The UN General Assembly could also consider whether Saudi Arabia’s membership of the Council should be suspended. The report has received wide coverage including on BBC, Al Jazeera, and RT UK (interview here).
Rodney Dixon QC addresses an event at the UN General Assembly in New York 21/09/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC page 25 of 29 Rodney focused on the implications of the blockade and embargo under international law and the legal actions that could be taken. Rodney has advised the Government of Qatar in respect of the legal consequences of the blockade, which was declared in early June 2017.
Rodney Dixon QC represents three prominent Qatari nationals unlawfully detained and tortured in the UAE 14/09/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The Met Police have been requested to investigate the case under the universal jurisdiction provisions on torture of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. They have been provided with a dossier of evidence on behalf of the three complainants, together with information on suspects identified confidentially to the police. Two of the Qatari complainants allege that false confessions were obtained from them under torture, which were subsequently aired on national television in the UAE. Were any of the suspects to enter the UK, they could face being arrested.
You can view the publication at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/12/metropolitan-police-uae-torture-quatris-officials?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medi um=twitter
Detention of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye to be challenged 10/08/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Family, close associates and supporters wish all steps to be taken internationally to challenge her detention, particularly in light of her deteriorating health condition. Dr Mishana Hosseinioun, President of MH Group, acting for these parties, has instructed Rodney Dixon QC to launch urgent proceedings before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva and other UN bodies to protect the former President’s rights and safeguard her well-being. The team is closely monitoring the trial proceedings in Seoul to place all relevant information before the UN ‘special procedures’ bodies, and to highlight the prior impeachment proceedings and conditions of detention ahead of the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Korea, where the country’s human rights record will be under review.
Investigations into terrorism and allegations of war crimes 06/07/2017
Barristers involved: Andrew Cayley CMG QC Rodney Dixon QC The meetings were organised under the auspices of the Wayamo Foundation, and addressed key aspects of international humanitarian and criminal law and best practices for the investigation and prosecution of international crimes.
International Criminal Court Bar Association 04/07/2017
Barristers involved: Karim A. A. Khan QC Rodney Dixon QC Dato Shyamala Alagendra Dato Shyamala Alagendra was also elected to the Executive Council and the Victims Committee and Rodney Dixon QC to the Executive Committee.
Rodney Dixon QC is speaking at National University of Singapore on International Law and the Middle East. 18/04/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The event has been organised by Dr Victor Kattan, Senior Research Fellow at NUS.
page 26 of 29 More information can be found here.
Andrew Cayley QC, Rodney Dixon QC and Emily Wilsdon are this week in Mexico City 22/11/2016
Barristers involved: Andrew Cayley CMG QC Rodney Dixon QC Emily Wilsdon Andrew, Rodney and Emily will participate in a week of discussions with the Mexican Armed Forces on International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law, an event which has been organised by Foro de Justicia International AC and its chief executive Professor Dr. Mónica Rocha-Herrera.
UN Human Rights Council petitioned over unlawful arrest of UK national in Bangladesh 29/07/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC He was arrested by the authorities there following the recent terror attack in Dhaka in which he was held as a hostage with his family. He is currently being interrogated without charge and without access to a lawyer and his family. The petition requests that the Working Group visit him in order to guarantee his safety and to secure his release. See news link below.
You can view the publication at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/british-victim-of-isis-attack-islamic-state-in-bangladesh-imprisoned-unlawfully-after-f amilys-a7158991.html
Rodney Dixon QC delivering seminar at Maxwell Chambers Singapore 11/07/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC http://www.maxwell-lectures.com/index.php/current-events/event/44-the-permanent-court-of-arbitration-asia-two-intra-asian-invest ment-maritime-arbitration-disputes
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights rules that Saif Gaddafi’s trial is unfair 20/06/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis The Court, sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, found that Libya had not respected any of the constituent elements of the right to a fair hearing at Mr. Gaddafi’s trial in Tripoli, Libya, and in sentencing him to death without ever allowing him access to a lawyer of his choosing or even to attend the hearings. The Court also held that Libya’s prolonged incommunicado detention of Mr Gaddafi at an unknown location violated his right to liberty. Libya have been given 60 days to respond to and implement the Court’s decision.
Georgia v Russia before the European Court of Human Rights 08/06/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC The case concerns the conflict that broke out between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 in South Ossetia. Georgia is proceeding against Russia in an inter-State action for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed against Georgian civilians during the conflict including in respect of unlawful killings from bombardments and attacks on towns and villages, and torture and ill-treatment of captured prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
International law workshops held in Mauritius 04/05/2016
page 27 of 29 Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Recent developments and case law on the incorporation and interpretation of international law before national courts were considered, with a particular emphasis on the application of human rights norms. Rodney has acted as counsel for the Government of Mauritius in cases before the Privy Council.
Appeals Panel of the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (Hague) dismisses 22 prosecution grounds of appeals 08/03/2016
Barristers involved: Karim A. A. Khan QC Rodney Dixon QC Dato Shyamala Alagendra In addition to upholding the acquittals on all counts, the Appeals Panel upheld the acquittal of Karma Khayat, Director of AL Jadeed TV on one count of contempt and overturned her conviction on one count. The result, complete acquittals on all counts, represents the first completed case before the STL. Al Jadeed Television company and Ms. Karma Khayat directly instructed Karim Khan QC who was assisted by Mr. Rodney Dixon QC and Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra.
Filing of civil suit against the State of Israel in Washington DC 12/01/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Passengers on a US ship file civil suit against State of Israel in the US District Court for the District of Columbia for damages sustained during attack on the high seas.
You can view the publication at https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/charlotte-silver/israel-sued-washington-over-attack-gaza-bound-us-ship
Allegations of torture and crimes against humanity against Egyptian President and its cabinet 05/11/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC UK police are investigating allegations of torture and crimes against humanity committed by Egyptian officials who are visiting London.
You can view the publication at http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/uk-egypt-abdel-fattah-el-sisi-human-rights-criticism-151105054117461.html https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/22099-morsis-lawyer-some-of-sisis-delegation-may-be-arrested-in-london
Former Prime Minister sued in US civil suit 22/10/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Former Israeli PM sued for damages in US Federal Court in California for killing of US national on the high seas.
You can view the publication at http://news.yahoo.com/ex-israeli-pm-sued-over-flotilla-raid-killed-083638763.html
Former Libyan Intelligence Chief sentenced to death 28/07/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Abdullah Al-Senussi has been sentenced to death by a Libyan court while his international lawyers continue to call for him to be tried before the ICC in The Hague
You can view the publication at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/29/world/africa/seif-al-islam-el-qaddafi-death-sentence-libya.html
page 28 of 29 Comoros case at the ICC 25/07/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC ICC Prosecutor ordered by the Pre-Trial Chamber to reconsider her decision not to open an investigation following judicial review application by the Government of the Comoros.
You can view the publication at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mavi-marmara-judges-call-for-new-investigation-into-deaths-of-activists-on-g aza-blockade-ship-10416029.html
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