rodney dixon qc - tgchambers.com
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T: +44 (0)20 7583 1315E: [email protected]
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Rodney Dixon QCYear of Call: 2000Year of Silk: 2014
Practice Areas
ExtraditionInquiriesPublic International LawPublic Law
Public AccessUndertakes Public Accesswork
Email:[email protected]
Awards
ExperienceRodney Dixon QC has a diverse practice in the UK and globallyin international law, public law, inquiries, compliance andregulation, and human rights. He appears on behalf ofGovernments, serving and former Heads of State, politicians,military commanders, individual complainants and defendants,international organisations, companies and businesses, NGOs,and victim groups. He specialises in public international law,international criminal law, and human rights and civil libertiesbefore all international, regional and national courts. Hisexpertise lies in cases concerning foreign relations, inter-Statedisputes, the armed forces, international prosecutions anddefence, public inquiries, universal jurisdiction, claims withinternational components, mediation and arbitration, cross-border proceedings, asset recovery, extradition and mutualassistance. He is described in Chambers and Partners “as anexceptional barrister with clients on every continent” and“respected for his excellent advocacy skills and strong clientcare”.
Rodney’s work covers all international criminal courts; UNproceedings, claims, and special procedures; actions beforethe International Court of Justice (ICJ); cases at the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights; applications before the AfricanCommission and African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights;Privy Council cases; bilateral investment treaty matters;territorial and border disputes; public inquiries andinvestigations; World Bank Sanctions Board proceedings; landclaims and reparations; corporate compliance and regulation;detentions abroad; Interpol and international and Europeanarrest warrants; and, private international law cases.
He is widely recognised as a leading counsel and expert for allinternational criminal courts and regularly appears before theICC and other international criminal courts like the ICTY andICTR for individual defendants, States, and victims, includingon behalf of the UK Government; the Government ofAfghanistan; the Government of Kenya; the ComorosGovernment; the former Government of Egypt; the
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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 concerningPresident Al Bashir, and victims from Darfur. He is one of ahandful of lawyers who has both prosecuted and defended ininternational courts. He has acted and advised before otherhybrid courts including the Special Court for Sierra Leone, theIraqi Special Tribunal, the Extraordinary Chambers in theCourts of Cambodia, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and theWar Crimes Division of the High Court of Uganda.
Rodney is highly respected in the field of public inquiries andinvestigations. He was appointed as a Commissioner on theNational Commission of Inquiry into post election violence inZimbabwe following the elections there in August 2018. He haspreviously been instructed in several inquiries including, thePresidential Commission of Inquiry into Disappeared Persons inSri Lanka; for victims in the Jamaican Commission of Inquiryinto the Tivoli Gardens killings; and, as part of the counselteam for the UK Ministry of Defence in the Baha Mousa publicinquiry. He was instructed by the Government of South Sudanas an international adviser in respect of legal and judicialreforms under the 2015 Peace Agreement following the civilwar. He has advised the Government of Qatar regarding theland, air and sea blockade imposed on the country in 2017. Hiscases before the European Court of Human Rights haveincluded for the Government of Georgia concerning theconflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and for the UkrainianGovernment regarding the occupation of Crimea and EasternUkraine. He has acted in cases and hearings before the AfricanCourt and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rightsincluding in relation to mass death sentences imposed inEgypt. He has represented many persons arbitrarily detainedabroad, including the former President of South Korea,prominent Moroccan journalist Taoufik Bouachrine, and womendetained in Saudi Arabia. Rodney is currently acting forDurham University academic, Matthew Hedges, who was heldin solitary confinement in the UAE.
Rodney is the co-author of the leading textbook ArchboldInternational on the law, procedure and practice of allinternational 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 bookthat “will always be open on the desks in offices” at the courtsin The Hague.
Rodney has advised and lectured in the fields of bribery andcorruption, money laundering, and cybercrime, with particular
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emphasis on the cross-border aspects and inter-State co-operation. He regularly lectures at conferences and seminarson international law, human rights, and civil liberties topics. Heis a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies,King’s College. He has lectured at the UK armed forces JointServices Staff College on the law of armed conflict, and was aninstructor on the Canadian Armed Forces Law of ArmedConflict Course – Land, Naval and Air Operations. He hastrained Judges and lawyers on international law, rule of lawand human rights topics in several jurisdictions including in SriLanka, 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 bythe BBC, SKY News, Al Jazeera, RT News, and TRT World ontopics 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 rightscases around the world.
Directories“Has a superior command of matters relating to internationallaw and human rights. He has exceptional insight into theintersection of international law and politics and is always apleasure 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 ofclients.”Chambers and Partners 2020
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law andin International Crime and Extradition: “Extremelyknowledgeable in this area and has a keen appreciation of thedifferences – procedural and substantive – among nationallegal systems.” “Very approachable with a razor sharpintellect.”Legal 500 2020
“Extremely calm and personable, he gives off an air ofconfidence and certainty when giving advice. It is always veryreassuring 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 publicinternational law”, as well as in International Crime andExtradition.
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Legal 500 2019
“An exceptional barrister, highly esteemed for his wealth ofknowledge” in representing international governments andpolitical leaders and handling international criminal lawmatters before UK courts “who has long experience ininternational cases. A very good team player who providesinvaluable support; an excellent practitioner who guides youthrough the process”.Chambers and Partners 2018
Recommended as a leading silk in Public International Law:“Consistently professional, collegial and a pleasure to workwith” and in International Crime and Extradition.Legal 500 2017
“An exceptional international lawyer.” “He is extremelyimpressive, knowledgeable and responsive.” “He’s got clientson 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 topmind”.Legal 500 2016
Recommended as a leading silk in international criminal law:“An exceptional practitioner”.Legal 500 2016
Recommended in International Criminal Law for representingGovernments and leaders and his expertise in the field:“Respected for his excellent advocacy skills and strong clientcare”, “He is extremely experienced and knows his way aroundinternational criminal law”, “He is a very personablepractitioner who is very diligent and well liked by clients.”Chambers and Partners 2016
Recommended as Leading Silk in Public International Law:“Very impressive and user-friendly.”Legal 500 2015
Recommended in Public International Law and in InternationalCriminal law: “An acclaimed new silk who regularly representsgovernments, political figures and military leaders.” “He hasan outstanding intellect, works very, very hard and is ratedvery highly as an advocate. He’s seen as being a real force tobe reckoned with.” “Amazing. He’s really on top of all the case
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law and procedure, and knows exactly what he’s doing.”Chambers and Partners 2015
Recommended in Civil Liberties and Human Rights and inPublic International Law: “A confident, and creative approachto the protection and promotion of international human rights.”Legal 500 2014
Recommended in International Criminal Law: “He is praised forhis knowledge of this complex area of law. He has greatexpertise, and has everything at his fingertips.”Chambers and Partners 2014
Recommended in Public International Law: “the clear, eloquentand focused Rodney Dixon who is one of the best counsel whoappears before the ICC”, and in Civil Liberties and HumanRights.Legal 500: 2013, 2012 and 2011
Recommended in Public International Law: “recommended forhis particularly strong expertise in international humanitarianand criminal law.”Legal 500 2010
AppointmentsAttorney-General’s Panel of Civil Advocates (2006-2011) andappointed to ‘A’ Panel for Public International LawAccredited Advocacy Trainer, Inner Temple – trained advocacyin the UK and abroadVisiting Senior Research Fellow, Department of War Studies,King’s College London, 2012-2015Honorary Lecturer, International Law, University of Utrecht,2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13Legal adviser (International law) and Counsel in the Office ofthe Prosecutor of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for theformer Yugoslavia (ICTY), 1995-1999Transferred from ICTY and called to the Bar in 2000Before working at the ICTY, qualified as a solicitor in SouthAfrica
EducationBA LLB, Rhodes University, South AfricaLLM (International Law and Human Rights, cum laude), NotreDame University, USAD.Phil candidate (International Law), Oxford University,Wolfson College
MembershipsAssociation of Defence Counsel of the ICTY (ADC)
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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
CasesGovernment of Afghanistan
24/04/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing as Counsel for the Government of Afghanistan in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the AfghanistanSituation 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 ICCinvestigation, and currently acting in deferral proceedings for the ICC investigation to be deferred to the Afghan nationalauthorities.
Uyghur genocide and crimes against humanity case
08/03/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing for the East Turkestan Government in Exile and Uyghur victims in proceedings before the ICC in respect of the allegedgenocide and crimes against humanity committed by Chinese authorities against Uyghurs in ICC States Parties and in EastTurkestan/Xinjiang in China.
Government of Montenegro v Dr Dusko Knezevic
06/03/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCInstructed on behalf of Dr Dusko Knezevic, a leading figure in Montenegro, in the extradition request by the Government ofMontenegro before UK courts.
Matthew Hedges, UK academic held in solitary confinement
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting Durham University academic who was held in solitary confinement for over 6 months in the UAE. Various legal actionsbeing taken to obtain redress and compensation.
Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
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10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of slain Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Legal actions for the murder havebeen taken in several jurisdictions, and various representations made in respect of the proposed Saudi takeover of NewcastleUnited Football club and other sporting events hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
UN sanctions proceedings
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting high profile persons under UN sanctions in confidential proceedings before the UN Sanctions Committee to have thesanctions 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 QCActed in complaint proceedings before Ofcom on behalf of persons who claimed that they had been treated unfairly and unjustlyand had their privacy infringed due to broadcasts in the UK by a foreign news channel. Substantial fines were imposed on the newschannel for the broadcasts and civil proceedings are now underway.
Princess Latifa Al Maktoum
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting Princess Latifa before the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) which isconsidering her case. She has not been seen in public for over 2 years following a failed attempt to escape from her family in Dubaiin 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 currentlyinvolved in child custody proceedings in the High Court in London against Princess Haya (Princess Latifa’s step mother) whorecently escaped from the UAE to the UK. WGEID remains seized of the case and has been requested to take urgent steps to securePrincess Latifa’s release.
Kosovo Specialist Chambers
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting suspects in proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC). The KSC was established as part of the judicialsystem of Kosovo to conduct investigations and trials in respect of allegations stemming from the 2011 Council of Europe reportwhich alleges serious violations of international law.
The KSC has a seat in The Hague and is staffed with international judges and prosecutors.
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Syria conflict and refugees
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting a large group of refugees who have been forced to flee Syria into Jordan as a result of the conflict and are living inrefugee camps there. An application to the ICC Prosecutor has been filed on their behalf to open an investigation into the crimesagainst 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 lightof recent rulings by the Court.
Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCServing as a Commissioner on the national Commission of Inquiry into post election violence in Zimbabwe following the August2018 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 QCActing 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 QCRepresenting 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 thosedispossessed.
Trial of prominent Moroccan journalist
10/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing as international counsel for a leading journalist in Morocco, Mr Taoufik Bouachrine, who has been charged with humantrafficking, 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
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Instructed to prepare legal opinion and report on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia following the wave of arrests anddetentions 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 thosedetained 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 QCRepresenting 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 hasordered provisional measures directing the Government of Egypt to suspend the death sentences pending the outcome of theproceedings.
UK Government in Iraq Situation at ICC
2015-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney Dixon QC is Counsel for the UK Government at the ICC in the Preliminary Examination for the Iraq Situation which concernsallegations of war crimes committed in Iraq.
UAE torture cases
14 September 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing for three prominent Qatari nationals who were allegedly unlawfully detained and tortured in the UAE between 2013 and2015 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 CriminalJustice Act 1988.
Former President Park Geun-hye of South Korea
August 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting in international proceedings the former President of South Korea who has been impeached and is currently detainedand on trial in Seoul on charges of corruption, bribery and abuse of power. Family, close associates and supporters have instructedRodney Dixon QC to take all steps internationally to challenge President Park’s detention, particularly in light of her deterioratinghealth condition. Urgent proceedings have been launched before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva andother UN bodies to protect the former President’s rights and safeguard her well-being.
Government of South Sudan
28/09/2016Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC
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Appointed to act as international legal adviser to the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan on legal and judicialreform 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 QCRepresenting Georgia (being led by Ben Emmerson QC) in case against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. Thecase concerns the conflict that broke out between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 in South Ossetia. Georgia is proceedingagainst Russia in an inter-State action for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed against Georgiancivilians during the conflict including in respect of unlawful killings from bombardments and attacks on towns and villages, andtorture and ill-treatment of captured prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
Bangladesh terrorist attack
28/09/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing as international counsel on behalf of a British national, Hasnat Karim, who was arrested following the terrorist attack on acafe 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 QCActing 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 QCRodney Dixon QC advised on matters of international law to the Advisory Council of the Presidential Commission of Inquiryexamining the final stages of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Final report of the Commission was tabled in Parliament in October2015.
Schermerhorn et al v State of Israel, US District Court for the District of Columbia
2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting US and other plaintiffs in civil suit for damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act arising from an attack ona US ship on the high seas.
529 and 122 Persons sentenced to death v Egypt, African Commission on Human andPeoples’ Rights
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2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActed in extended proceedings before the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and United Nations brought on behalfof 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 QCRodney Dixon QC is acting for the Government of the Union of the Comoros before the ICC in respect of the attack on the GazaFlotilla on the High Seas in May 2010. Judicial review proceedings have been successfully brought against the decision of the ICCProsecutor 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 QCRepresenting Dr Morsi, his Government and the Freedom and Justice Party of Egypt in several jurisdictions following the coup inEgypt in 2013 including before the UN, ICC, African Commission, and in judicial review proceedings in the UK concerning theimmunity 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 AlagendraKarim Khan QC, Rodney Dixon QC and Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra represented TV station and journalist in trial at STL on allegationsof witness interference. This is the first trial before an international court in which a corporate entity has faced charges. TV stationand journalist has been acquitted of all counts.
Tivoli Gardens National Commission of Inquiry, Jamaica
2014-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting residents of Tivoli Gardens, who were victims of an attack and killings in Kingston, Jamaica in 2010, before theNational Commission of Inquiry and in other international actions.
MISHANA HOSSEINION (ON BEHALF OF SAIF AL-ISLAM GADDAFI) V LIBYA
2013 - 2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisSubmitted a ground-breaking communication to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on behalf of MishanaHosseinioun, which became one of the first cases which the African Commission submitted to the African Court on Human andPeoples’ Rights.Both the Court and the Commission imposed interim measures on Libya. The Court ultimately concluded that Libya had violated the
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rights of Dr Gaddafi.
Government of Sudan
2012-2014
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCAdvising the Government of Sudan in respect of border and territorial disputes that were referred to the United Nations and theAfrican Union.
ICC Prosecutor v Abdullah Al-Senussi, ICC
2012-2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing on behalf of former Intelligence Chief of Libya for the late Colonel Gaddafi in proceedings before the ICC and in otherjurisdictions.
Government of Kenya v ICC Prosecutor, ICC
2011–2013
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCCounsel for the Kenyan Government in the Kenya cases before the ICC, inter alia against the President and Deputy President ofKenya, including in admissibility proceedings on grounds of complementarity.
Prosecutor v Ramush Haradinaj, ICTY
2005-2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing on behalf of former PM of Kosovo on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in protracted trial, appellate, andre-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 QCDefence Counsel for former investigator of Charles Taylor (ex-President of Liberia) on charges of bribery before the SCSL. Mr. Taylorwas acquitted of all counts.
Al-Jedda v Secretary of State for Home Department, Supreme Court
2010-2013
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing for Home Office in case concerning the deprivation of UK citizenship and statelessness.
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Tariq Aziz v Attorney-General, High Court
2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting 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 QCActing for the Ministry of Defence in judicial review proceedings concerning allegations of torture and inhuman treatment indetention facilities in Iraq.
Harty v Sabre International Security, High Court
2010-2012
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresenting private security officer injured in Iraq in a civil claim in which jurisdiction to proceed in the UK before UK courts andthe applicable law, were central issues.
Chung v Foreign and Commonwealth Office, High Court
2009-2011
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCCounsel for the Foreign Office in proceedings concerning a claim for damages arising from an alleged unlawful extradition of aBritish national from the US to Hong Kong.
Synergy Child Services v OFSTED
2009-2010
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCActing for OFSTED in Care Standards Tribunal inquiry into allegations of child abuse and child protection issues.
Bilateral investment treaty advice
2008-2010
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCCounsel advising in respect of investment treaty matters arising from banking crisis in the UK and abroad.
Prosecutor v Amir Kubura, ICTY
2003-2006
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Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRepresented military commander of Bosnian Army before ICTY on allegations of command responsibility for the killings committedby 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 QCRepresented the Government of Mauritius in various cases before the Privy Council, including Tyack v The State of Mauritiusconcerning the application of UK sentencing guidelines in Mauritius.
PublicationsArchbold International, Sweet & Maxwell, 5th Edition, January 201910/01/2019
Authors: Rodney Dixon QCLeading text on law and procedure before all international criminal courts.
Archbold International, Sweet & Maxwell, 4th Edition, 201531/01/2015
Authors: Rodney Dixon QC Karim A. A. Khan QCLeading 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 QCAuthored chapters on ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ and ‘Protection of National Security Information’
Technological Innovation, Non-Obvious Warfare and the Challenges to International Law30/11/2014
Authors: Rodney Dixon QCExpert participant in international and comparative study by King’s College Department of War Studies. Co-sponsored by theEconomic and Social Research Council and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
International Criminal Law and National Prosecutions of War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia01/01/2011
Authors: Rodney Dixon QCSenior Expert Consultant for OSCE War Crimes Justice Project in the former Yugoslavia which produced publication and trainingmanual on International Criminal Law and domestic prosecutions of war crimes.
NewsUN Special Rapporteurs Express Serious Concern about Colonial Human Rights Abuses inKericho County, Kenya17/08/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne Coulon
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The UK Government did not respond formally to the UN Special Rapporteurs. The Communication will now be presented to the UNHuman Rights Council.
During the pre-colonial and colonial era in Kenya, the Kipsigis and Talai peoples were progressively evicted from fertile land inKericho County to make way for European settlers. The Kipsigis and Talai were forcibly displaced and made to live in overcrowdedand poorly resourced reserves. The Talai peoples were deported and internally exiled to Gwasi, where living conditions weredevastatingly harsh.
The conclusions of the UN Special Rapporteurs build on earlier findings by the Kenyan National Land Commission. In 2018 Counselfor the victims submitted an application to the National Land Commission on behalf of the victims, and represented them athearings of the Commission. In 2019, the Kenyan National Land Commission determined that the Kipsigis and Talai peoples werevictims 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 athttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/03/un-criticises-uk-for-failure-to-redress-colonial-era-land-grab-in-kenya
Rodney Dixon QC and Émilie Pottle instructed in High-Profile Montenegrin Request forExtradition29/06/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Émilie PottleDr Knezevic is a high-profile individual who has been outspoken against the current President of Montenegro; he will contend thatthe 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 Uyghurs10/06/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul ErdunastThe new evidence concerns inter alia the mass deportation of Uyghurs living in Tajikistan (an ICC State Party) by Chineseauthorities into China, where they have not been heard from again. The fact that the crimes were committed on the territory of anICC State Party and continued into China provides the Court with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The filingfollows an extensive on the ground investigation over the past months in various countries, which is ongoing.
Links to news reports here:
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 AbuDhabi Media Company PJSC25/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Sian ReevesDr Al-Jaidah and Mr Al-Hammadi were arrested and detained in the UAE several years ago. During their detention, they weretortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit. In June 2017 their forced confessions were broadcast on the AbuDhabi 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
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confessions. In November 2020 Ofcom found that Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC had violated the fairness and privacy provisionsof 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 PJSCsurrendered their only UK broadcasting licence with effect from 1 January 2021. On 5 May 2021 Ofcom imposed sanctions on AbuDhabi Media Company PJSC consisting of two financial penalties of £125,000. Copies of Ofcom’s Sanction Decisions can be foundhere 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 athttps://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2021/05/25/qataris-launch-legal-action-in-uk-against-uae-channel-for-airing-confessions-gained-by-torture/?sh=6655e5ec1cc7
High level delegation from the Government of Afghanistan meets ICC Prosecutor aboutAfghanistan’s deferral application.12/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne CoulonRodney 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 andtorture in the UAE11/05/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisRodney Dixon QC assisted by Aidan Ellis act for Mr Hedges, instructed by Carter Ruck Solicitors.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-56998407
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 Latifa17/02/2021
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe UN has now stated that it will take action, and the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, has said that people want to see thatthe 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
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Ofcom finds breaches of the Broadcasting Code11/11/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe adjudication has found that the TV station violated the fairness and privacy provisions of the Code. Sanctions for thesebreaches are now being considered. The decision is here.
Renewed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh28/10/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCOne of the central international law issues arises in respect of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan when set against the claims ofself 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 DC21/10/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCMs Cengiz has filed the case as a means of uncovering the truth and holding the perpetrators to account. Rodney Dixon QC isacting on behalf of Ms Cengiz in pursuing all legal avenues to obtain justice and redress for Mr Khashoggi’s murder. The civil suithas 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 murder02/10/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe 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 theHuwaitat tribe in Saudi Arabia, following forced evictions and killings in pursuit of the Neommega-city project23/09/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys DaviesThe Huwaitat Tribe have been living in their ancestral lands for hundreds of years and have been forcefully evicted from theirhomeland by the Saudi authorities in order to make way for the NEOM Megacity project. The communication urges the two UNrapporteurs, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to open an investigation on behalf of the Huwaitat tribe and totake all necessary steps to protect their rights.
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ICC Uyghur Complaint is widely supported12/08/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul ErdunastMedia outlets around the world have reported on the filing. The news reports have highlighted that credible evidence of seriousinternational crimes has been submitted to the Prosecutor including in respect of the alleged deportation of Uyghurs by the Chineseauthorities from outside of China into East Turkestan, and that the scale and gravity of the crimes warranted a full investigation tobe 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 Xinjianghttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/07/exiled-uighurs-call-on-icc-to-investigate-chinese-genocide-in-xinjiangThe Independent – Exiled Uighurs push for ICC to investigate ‘genocide’ in Xinjianghttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/uighur-china-exiles-icc-genocide-crimes-against-humanity-complaint-a9606921.htmlThe Times – Uighurs seek genocide charges against Beijinghttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uighurs-seek-genocide-charges-against-beijing-cq6hdrjccAl Jazeera English – Uighur group urges ICC to probe alleged China genocide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBwJbvaVcYYNew York Times – Uighur Exiles Push for Court Case Accusing China of Genocidehttps://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/world/asia/china-xinjiang-uighur-court.htmlRFI Radio France Internationale – Dossier Ouïghour à la CPI : «Nos éléments de preuve sont accablants», selon l’avocate AnneCoulon https://www.rfi.fr/fr/asie-pacifique/20200723-ouïghours-dossier-cpi-chine-avocate-anne-coulon Libération – CPI: timide Espoir pour les Ouïghours et les Rohingyashttps://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.liberation.fr/amphtml/planete/2020/08/03/timide-espoir-pour-les-ouighours-et-les-rohingyas_1795972Forbes –https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewelinaochab/2020/07/07/could-the-international-criminal-court-investigate-atrocities-against-the-uighur-muslims-in-china/#2b1e1a932cbeWashington Post– https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/whats-happening-in-xinjiang-is-genocide/2020/07/06/cde3f9da-bfaa-11ea-9fdd-b7ac6b051dc8_story.htmlBBC Newsnight – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08l1dhwCNN – https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/30/asia/xinjiang-sterilization-women-human-rights-intl-hnk/index.htmlWall 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 Uyghursand about the human rights abuses”, while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab denounced the “gross, egregious human rightsviolations”.
The ICC Prosecutor is currently considering the Complaint that has been filed to determine whether to apply to the Judges to openan investigation. Rodney Dixon QC, Anne Coulon and Paul Erdunast are representing the East Turkestan Government in exile inthese proceedings before the ICC.
Newcastle United Football Club takeover collapses04/08/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCMs Cengiz is represented by Rodney Dixon QC who has made submissions on her behalf showing that it would have been a breachof the Premier League Rules if the acquisition had proceeded. This is because Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is headed byCrown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who is accused of murdering Jamal Khashoggi. Ms Cengiz continues to pursue all legalavenues to hold those responsible to account.
See link below.
You can view the publication athttps://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/jamal-khashoggis-fiance-welcomes-news-18691907
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Complaint filed at International Criminal Court (ICC) on behalf of the East TurkistanGovernment in Exile08/07/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Anne Coulon Paul ErdunastChina is not a State Party to the ICC Statute. The Prosecutor can however exercise jurisdiction over these alleged crimes due to theevidence presented in the Complaint that they are continuing crimes which started in Tajikistan and Cambodia, which are both ICCStates Parties, where Uyghurs were rounded up by the Chinese authorities and deported to China to be imprisoned in massdetention centres. The Prosecutor has indicated that she is now considering the Complaint in order to decide whether to take thecase forward.
See links :New York Times;The Guardian;The Wall Street Journal.
Trial opens for murder of Jamal Khashoggi03/07/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe central criminal court in Istanbul will hear the case in which 20 Saudi officials have been charged. They are going on trial inabsentia. 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 ICC16/06/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne CoulonThe ICC Prosecutor is obliged to defer to the State concerning unless she obtains the Pre-Trial Chamber’s authority to proceed withan investigation. The procedure is provided for in Article 18 of the ICC Statute, which gives expression to the principle ofcomplementarity, namely that States enjoy primacy over the investigation and prosecution of international crimes and the ICC is acourt of last resort. This is the first deferral request to be submitted and considered at the ICC.
Takeover bid for Newcastle United Football Club29/04/2020
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe 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 suchacquisitions, 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 Afghanistan04/12/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan Ellis Anne CoulonIt concerns the decision of the Court to refuse to open an investigation in respect of international crimes committed by Afghan, USand Taliban forces during the conflict on the grounds that there are substantial reasons to believe that it would not be in theinterests of justice to open such an investigation, particularly in light of the current obstacles to conducting effective investigationsin Afghanistan. The Government of Afghanistan has filed written submissions on the nature and extent of its national investigations
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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 Maktoum30/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCPrincess Latifa has not been seen in public for over 18 months following a failed attempt to escape from her family in March 2018when she was captured off the Indian coast while fleeing on a US flagged yacht. Her father Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoumis the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is currently involved in child custody proceedings in the High Court inLondon against Princess Haya (Princess Latifa’s step mother) who recently escaped from the UAE to the UK. WGEID remains seizedof the case and has been requested to take urgent steps to secure Princess Latifa’s release.
You can view the publication athttps://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 UNHuman Rights Council in Geneva16/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet WellsIn his address, Rodney set the recent executions in context, highlighting the mass arrests of government critics and human rightsdefenders in Saudi Arabia since 2017. Juliet discussed human rights violations committed by the Saudi regime in administering thedeath penalty in a cruel and inhumane manner, and in withholding the remains of victims from their families, and explored thelegal remedies available to the families.
Other speakers at the event included Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Saul Lehrfreund (Co-Executive Director of the Death PenaltyProject), and Baroness Janet Whitaker. The press release for the event can be viewed below.
You can view the publication athttps://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 abuses13/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisThe violations concern the forcible acquisition of ancestral lands in Kericho County (well-known for its tea plantations), the abusesperpetrated, and continuing effects on the local population. The victims are asking the UN to investigate these allegations, toconduct site visits, and to engage with the parties including the UK Government to settle these claims and compensate the victims.
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 case06/09/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney Dixon QC initiated the judicial review proceedings of the Prosecutor’s decision on behalf of the Government of the Union ofthe Comoros, an ICC State Party on whose vessel the attack took place and who referred the case to the ICC. The Prosecutor isrequired to reconsider her decision by 2 December 2019. This is the first ruling by the ICC Appeals Chamber on the scope of judicialreview proceedings before the ICC.
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Rodney Dixon QC is instructed by solicitors Stoke White Ltd, London on behalf of the Comoros.
You can view the publication athttps://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 theUAE15/07/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet WellsIn the complaint, Rodney and Juliet argue that FIFA and its member organisations did not have adequate human rights andsafeguarding policies in place, and that they failed in their duties to protect fans such as Mr Ahmad from violence anddiscrimination 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 RightsCommittee in Geneva on behalf of clients detained in Saudi Arabia25/06/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Juliet WellsMs Desai and Ms Mohammad spoke about their experiences at the event, alongside Hatice Cengiz (the fiancée of murderedjournalist 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 belowfor 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 orarbitary Executions20/05/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys DaviesIt is currently held by the Moroccan authorities due to Mr. Bouachrine’s ongoing criminal proceedings in Morocco. The UN WorkingGroup on Arbitrary Detention recently held that Mr Bouachrine’s detention was arbitrary and that his trial proceedings had beenmarred by violations of his right to a fair trial, and directed that the Moroccan authorities release him immediately, followingCounsel’s application to the Working Group. The mobile phone is potentially relevant to the Special Rapporteur’s investigation as MrBoucharine has stated that it contains text messages sent between himself and Mr Khashoggi about their safety and security in theperiod prior to Mr Khashoggi’s murder and Mr Bouachrine’s arrest. Both of them as leading human rights journalists had beenhighly 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 athttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-7041659/Lawyers-jailed-Morocco-journalist-urge-phone-release-Khashoggi-probe.html
ICC Appeals Chamber hears landmark appeal03/05/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe case concerned the interception of the Mavi Marmara ship (sailing under the flag of the Comoros, an ICC State Party) in May2010 on the high seas by the Israeli Defence Forces when it was carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. This is the first time that
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the ICC Appeals Chamber has heard an appeal from judicial review proceedings initiated by a State Party. The hearing was alsoattended by many of the victims of the raid and the families of the deceased.
ICC investigations in Palestine19/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe ICC Prosecutor indicated in her latest report on Preliminary Examinations in December 2018 that she intends to make adecision on whether to open an investigation in the Palestine Situation “as early as possible”. No date has been given. In light ofthis examination already having been underway for over 3 years since January 2015, MH Group will urge that these proceedings areexpedited before the Court in the interests of those who have been subjected to the most serious international crimes. MH Groupwill 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 incases in the US, UK, Libya, and South Korea, and in dealings with international bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council, theICC, the African Commission and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Its President is Dr. Mishana Hosseinioun, Lecturerin International Relations, Oxford University.
Kenyan National Land Commission finds Historical Land Injustices in Kericho County, Kenya14/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisRodney Dixon QC and Aidan Ellis, instructed by JK Bosek & Associates, Nairobi, filed extensive written submissions and representedthe victims at oral hearings in Kericho County. They have just returned from a consultative forum with the victims in Kenya on thesteps 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 Jordan07/03/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCIt is the first time that such an application has been made on behalf of refugees over which the Court has jurisdiction in light ofrecent rulings by the Court.
Fur further details please links to news below and here.
You can view the publication athttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/mar/07/syrian-refugees-launch-legal-bid-to-try-assad-for-crimes-against-humanity
International Criminal Law Conference18/01/2019
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney Dixon QC is the keynote speaker at Kingsley Napley International Criminal Law Conference today. Please see click here forfurther information.
Rodney Dixon QC is representing Briton Matthew Hedges as International Counsel22/11/2018
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Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney is instructed by Matthew’s wife Daniela Tejada in both the Appeal process and also to assist in diplomatic efforts betweenthe 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 theraid on the Mavi Marmara ship in the Gaza Flotilla19/11/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCIt resulted in the deaths of 10 passengers and over 50 persons were injured. The Prosecutor was previously ordered by theChamber to reconsider her decision, and following a review, she reached the same decision. A second judicial review applicationwas thus submitted by the Comoros (a State Party of the ICC under whose flag the Mavi Marmara was sailing) and over 300passengers, represented by Rodney Dixon QC (instructed by Stoke & White Ltd, London). In light of the extensive delays in thiscase, 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 Violence14/11/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney Dixon QC is serving as a Commissioner on the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the President of Zimbabwe under theCommissions 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 heldhearings in all judicial divisions, namely Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare.
Kenya National Land Commission hearings12/10/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisThe hearings were a culmination of many years of investigation and evidence gathering on behalf of the complainants, and certainof them testified before the commissioners. The Commission was authorised to receive and investigate all historical land injusticecomplaints and recommend appropriate redress by amendment to the National Land Commission Act in 2016. The Commission willin due course present its findings and recommendations for the Kericho claims to the Kenyan Government.
The Human Rights Situation in Saudi Arabia09/10/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Rhys DaviesHe co-authored a report on detentions in Saudi Arabia with Lord Ken Macdonald QC earlier this year which has been submitted tothe UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The webpage of the conference is here which includes the livestream of the event. RhysDavies also participated in the event.
Zimbabwe Commission of Inquiry20/09/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe seven person Commission is chaired by the former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, and includes the former
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Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku. The Commission will now commence its work with sittings to be held inHarare.
You can view the publication athttps://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 religiousfreedoms in IHL, the blockade of Qatar and the Hajj25/07/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Emily WilsdonThe speakers were Emily Wilsdon, Prof. Javaid Rehman (Professor at Brunel University, and UN Special Rapporteur on the Situationof Human Rights in Iran), Adam Smith-Anthony (Senior Associate at Omnia Strategy LLP), Rukshana Pervin Hoque (Solicitor andmedia 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 toprotect 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 hostedby Andy Slaughter MP for Hammersmith and Fulham.
You can view the publication athttp://aohr.org.uk/index.php/en/campaigns/item/9076-seminar-the-pilgrimage-hajj-and-religious-freedoms-under-siege.html
The War in Yemen02/07/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCIt was hosted by the American Society of International Law and the Washington Foreign Law Society and held at the Stimson Centerin Washington DC. The experts included Ambassador Stephen Rapp, former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes; Prof. DavidCrane, former Prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone; Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East and NorthAfrica 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 Arabia12/06/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Myles Grandison Aidan EllisThe invitation for the event is below. It will take place on Wednesday 13 June at 5.30pm and be held in Conference Room A, 1Parliament Street entrance.
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 onthe merits in the inter-state case Georgia v the Russian Federation24/05/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe case also concerns the abuses that followed during Russia’s occupation of these territories which continues until today. This isthe 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 case13/04/2018
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Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCFurkan’s parents have proceeded against Ehud Barak, former Israeli Minister of Defence at the time for civil damages under theAlien Torts Statute and Torture Victim Protection Act in the courts of California. Jurisdiction was founded by service on Mr Barak in2015 while on a lecture tour in the Los Angeles area. The District Court dismissed the case in the first instance on the grounds thatMr Barak as a former state official enjoys official immunity from suit. The Court of Appeal will today hear the complainants’ appealon the grounds that as a matter of national and international law former state officials are not immunised for the most seriousviolations 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 inthe 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 athttps://www.hadsellstormer.com/blog/2018/04/ninth-circuit-appeal-scheduled-in-hsr-lawsuit-against-former-israeli-prime-minister-ehud-barak-for-d.shtml
Prominent Moroccan journalist arrested and on trial09/04/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCHis trial is taking place before the Court in Casablanca. He has been an outspoken critic in his journalism of the government’spolicies. He denies all the charges.
You can view the publication athttp://www.middleeasteye.net/news/line-pushing-moroccan-journalist-court-rape-allegations-no-evidence-press-freedom-1303335214
Legal Report on Human Rights situation in Saudi Arabia released01/02/2018
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisThey were asked by certain families of those detained to inquire into the circumstances and produce a legal report on the breachesof 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 reporthas 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 York21/09/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRodney 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 earlyJune 2017.
Rodney Dixon QC represents three prominent Qatari nationals unlawfully detained andtortured in the UAE14/09/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe Met Police have been requested to investigate the case under the universal jurisdiction provisions on torture of the CriminalJustice Act 1988. They have been provided with a dossier of evidence on behalf of the three complainants, together withinformation on suspects identified confidentially to the police. Two of the Qatari complainants allege that false confessions wereobtained from them under torture, which were subsequently aired on national television in the UAE. Were any of the suspects to
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enter the UK, they could face being arrested.
You can view the publication athttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/12/metropolitan-police-uae-torture-quatris-officials?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Detention of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye to be challenged10/08/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCFamily, close associates and supporters wish all steps to be taken internationally to challenge her detention, particularly in light ofher deteriorating health condition. Dr Mishana Hosseinioun, President of MH Group, acting for these parties, has instructed RodneyDixon QC to launch urgent proceedings before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva and other UN bodies toprotect the former President’s rights and safeguard her well-being. The team is closely monitoring the trial proceedings in Seoul toplace all relevant information before the UN ‘special procedures’ bodies, and to highlight the prior impeachment proceedings andconditions of detention ahead of the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Korea, where the country’s human rights recordwill be under review.
Investigations into terrorism and allegations of war crimes06/07/2017
Barristers involved: Andrew Cayley CMG QC Rodney Dixon QCThe meetings were organised under the auspices of the Wayamo Foundation, and addressed key aspects of internationalhumanitarian and criminal law and best practices for the investigation and prosecution of international crimes.
International Criminal Court Bar Association04/07/2017
Barristers involved: Karim A. A. Khan QC Rodney Dixon QC Dato Shyamala AlagendraDato Shyamala Alagendra was also elected to the Executive Council and the Victims Committee and Rodney Dixon QC to theExecutive Committee.
Rodney Dixon QC is speaking at National University of Singapore on International Law andthe Middle East.18/04/2017
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe event has been organised by Dr Victor Kattan, Senior Research Fellow at NUS.
More information can be found here.
Andrew Cayley QC, Rodney Dixon QC and Emily Wilsdon are this week in Mexico City22/11/2016
Barristers involved: Andrew Cayley CMG QC Rodney Dixon QC Emily WilsdonAndrew, Rodney and Emily will participate in a week of discussions with the Mexican Armed Forces on International HumanitarianLaw and International Criminal Law, an event which has been organised by Foro de Justicia International AC and its chief executiveProfessor Dr. Monica Rocha-Herrera.
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UN Human Rights Council petitioned over unlawful arrest of UK national in Bangladesh29/07/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCHe was arrested by the authorities there following the recent terror attack in Dhaka in which he was held as a hostage with hisfamily. He is currently being interrogated without charge and without access to a lawyer and his family. The petition requests thatthe Working Group visit him in order to guarantee his safety and to secure his release. See news link below.
You can view the publication athttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/british-victim-of-isis-attack-islamic-state-in-bangladesh-imprisoned-unlawfully-after-familys-a7158991.html
Rodney Dixon QC delivering seminar at Maxwell Chambers Singapore11/07/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QChttp://www.maxwell-lectures.com/index.php/current-events/event/44-the-permanent-court-of-arbitration-asia-two-intra-asian-investment-maritime-arbitration-disputes
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights rules that Saif Gaddafi’s trial is unfair20/06/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QC Aidan EllisThe Court, sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, found that Libya had not respected any of the constituent elements of the right to a fairhearing at Mr. Gaddafi’s trial in Tripoli, Libya, and in sentencing him to death without ever allowing him access to a lawyer of hischoosing or even to attend the hearings. The Court also held that Libya’s prolonged incommunicado detention of Mr Gaddafi at anunknown 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 Rights08/06/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCThe case concerns the conflict that broke out between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 in South Ossetia. Georgia is proceedingagainst Russia in an inter-State action for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed against Georgiancivilians during the conflict including in respect of unlawful killings from bombardments and attacks on towns and villages, andtorture and ill-treatment of captured prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
International law workshops held in Mauritius04/05/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCRecent developments and case law on the incorporation and interpretation of international law before national courts wereconsidered, with a particular emphasis on the application of human rights norms. Rodney has acted as counsel for the Governmentof Mauritius in cases before the Privy Council.
Appeals Panel of the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (Hague) dismisses 22 prosecution groundsof appeals08/03/2016
Barristers involved: Karim A. A. Khan QC Rodney Dixon QC Dato Shyamala AlagendraIn addition to upholding the acquittals on all counts, the Appeals Panel upheld the acquittal of Karma Khayat, Director of AL JadeedTV on one count of contempt and overturned her conviction on one count. The result, complete acquittals on all counts, represents
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the first completed case before the STL. Al Jadeed Television company and Ms. Karma Khayat directly instructed Karim Khan QCwho was assisted by Mr. Rodney Dixon QC and Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra.
Filing of civil suit against the State of Israel in Washington DC12/01/2016
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCPassengers on a US ship file civil suit against State of Israel in the US District Court for the District of Columbia for damagessustained during attack on the high seas.
You can view the publication athttps://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 itscabinet05/11/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCUK police are investigating allegations of torture and crimes against humanity committed by Egyptian officials who are visitingLondon.
You can view the publication athttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/uk-egypt-abdel-fattah-el-sisi-human-rights-criticism-151105054117461.htmlhttps://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/22099-morsis-lawyer-some-of-sisis-delegation-may-be-arrested-in-london
Former Prime Minister sued in US civil suit22/10/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCFormer 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 death28/07/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCAbdullah Al-Senussi has been sentenced to death by a Libyan court while his international lawyers continue to call for him to betried 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
Comoros case at the ICC25/07/2015
Barristers involved: Rodney Dixon QCICC Prosecutor ordered by the Pre-Trial Chamber to reconsider her decision not to open an investigation following judicial reviewapplication by the Government of the Comoros.
You can view the publication athttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mavi-marmara-judges-call-for-new-investigation-into-deaths-of-activists-on-gaza-blockade-ship-10416029.html