The importance of the rule of law has often made the UK a destination for those fleeing persecution due to their race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. Our asylum and human rights lawyers regularly advise clients seeking protection under the Geneva Convention.
Our team has particular expertise in dealing with high profile individuals and international businesspersons facing politically motivated charges where 'prosecution' is used as a means of 'persecution'. We work with clients to establish the how best to articulate and evidence the often well-established patterns of persecution in various countries. Persecution may take the form of illegitimate prosecution or corporate raiding, often at the behest of business adversaries or state authorities.
The asylum process in the UK is complex and lengthy. We collaborate with independent experts and leading counsel to gather supporting evidence and witness statements to submit robust applications essential in meeting the high threshold required by the Home Office to grant asylum. We have an established network of expert able to address key issues from politics to prison conditions.
Our clients are often subject to, or fear becoming subject to, extradition proceedings. We work strategically and proactively with extradition colleagues both within the firm and our clients’ external advisors to provide a consolidated strategy and holistic advice having regard to the very nuanced interplay between asylum and extradition proceedings.