Alun Jones QC calls on UK Government to respect rule of law of kidnapping of Princess Latifa, while Rodney Dixon QC confirm he will explore all legal options and call on the UAE for its judgement against the UAE
TWO London-based eminent and high-powered QC’s have joined the growing global campaign to fight for the release of imprisoned Princess Latifa Al Maktoum, it was announced today (Monday)
Leading Queens Counsel Alun Jones QC calls on UK Government to respect rule of law in relations to kidnapping of Princess Latifa, while Rodney Dixon QC, who is also representing British PHD Student Matthew Hedges accused of spying in the UAE, confirms he will explore all legal options and call on the UAE for a judgement against the UAE and to release Princess Latifa.
They will work closely with David Haigh and Tiina Jauhiainen as part of the Free Latifa campaign. Princess Latifa has been held in Dubai on the orders of her father, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum since she was forcibly kidnapped on 4th March 2018.
They will explore all legal options through the UN and international bodies, as well as using their expertise in international jurisdictions to highlight the abusive regime and secure the freedom of Princess Latifa, aged 33.
The UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances has taken up the case and will be urged to issue its findings and recommendations to the UAE as soon as possible. The UN Special Rapporteurs and other bodies will also be petitioned to intervene on behalf of Princess Latifa to get access to her and secure her safe release.
Her plight has been thrust into the headlines in the last week following the news that her step-mother Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein has left the Dubai ruler to seek asylum and launch divorce proceedings in London, where she is seeking to prevent their children being returned to Dubai.
David Haigh, of the Free Latifa campaign and a human rights lawyer appointed by Sheikha Latifa, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of lawyers of such reputation and stature as Alun and Rodney. The combination of their experience, innovation and their expertise in this field makes them uniquely placed to support us and achieve freedom for brave Latifa.”
Tiina Jauhiainen, a close friend and confidante of Princess Latifa, who was kidnapped and forcibly taken back to the UAE alongside Latifa, said: “We are very privileged to have the support of people of the calibre of Alun and Rodney and their wise counsel makes me feel even more confident that we will eventually secure the freedom of my dear friend Latifa.”
Alun Jones said today: “It is a matter of grave concern that Princess Latifa has suffered from abduction, mistreatment and arbitrary imprisonment, with no opposition or protest from the UK authorities. Do we stand for the rule of law or not? “
Rodney Dixon said: "It is most concerning that Princess Latifa has still not been released and allowed to leave the UAE. Her fundamental human rights are being unjustifiably restricted and abused. The international community can no longer stand by.
"David and Tiina have worked tirelessly for more than a year to protect her, and have themselves been needlessly attacked and smeared for doing so. We will pursue all legal avenues on behalf of Princess Latifa to resolve this situation.
“We are petitioning the UN Working Groups on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and on Arbitrary Detention and other bodies to get access to her without delay and to ensure that she is released unharmed."
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About Free Latifa:
About Free Latifa: The Free Latifa Campaign is run by Latifa’s family, closest friends, supporters and advisors. Headed by Campaign Director, Latifa’s best friend Tiina Jauhiainen, human rights lawyer and campaigner David Haigh and Latifa’s close friends Stephania Martinengo and Marco Remes. Together with the support of not for profit legal advocacy NGO Detained International and a growing number of friends, supporters, media, lawyers, politicians and celebrities around the world the campaign has one goal, to #FreeLatifa. Updates on the campaign can be found on FreeLatifa.com
Press Contact
Tiina Jauhiainen and David Haigh
Campaign to Free Latifa
Email: latifa@freelatifa.com
Telephone: + 44 (0) 203 868 9995
Twitter: @freelatifa
Facebook: @freelatifa
Instagram: @freelatifa
About Alun Jones QC
Alun Jones QC is one the the UKs most prominent and respected lawyers. A specialist in extradition, mutual legal assistance, international crime, financial crime, crime, judicial review, asset confiscation and immunity cases. He has also appeared in the higher appellate courts in insolvency, commercial, planning and defamation cases when they have been connected with matters within his normal areas of practice.
Alun Jones QC
Great James Street Chambers
Tel +44 (0) 207 440 4949
Email: clerks@greatjames.co.uk
Web: http://greatjames.co.uk/members/alun-jones-qc
About Rodney Dixon QC
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 Governments, 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 liberties before all international, regional and national courts.
Rodney Dixon QC
Temple Garden Chambers
Tel: +44 (0) 207 583 1315
Email: clerks@tgchambers.com
Web: http://tgchambers.com/member-profile/rodney-dixon-qc/