On 26 Septmeber 2019 the Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot handed down her judgment in the extradition case of our client Zamira Hajiyeva.
Our client’s extradition was requested by the Republic of Azerbaijan late in 2018. The extradition hearing took place over several days this summer at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Having heard extensive evidence the Senior District Judge blocked our client’s extradition due to concerns that she would not receive a fair trial as guaranteed by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. She concluded by remarking,
“I find that the combination of a judiciary which is not independent of the executive, lawyers who are punished if they take on cases of interest to the state, the approach of the court and the authorities to Mr Hajiyev’s trial, all lead me to conclude that there is a real risk that Mrs Hajiyeva whose case is high-profile and sensitive and not a ‘normal’ criminal case will suffer a flagrant denial of justice. The assurance from [Azerbaijan] that she will receive a fair trial is not sufficient to relieve the many serious concerns the court has.”
Roger Gherson and Thomas Garner of Gherson acted for Ms Hajiyeva and instructed Hugo Keith QC and Ben Watson of 3 Raymond Buildings.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2019