Litigation
Justice Initiative lawyers have represented scores of individuals and groups before domestic and international human rights courts and tribunals around the world. These cases seek not only to vindicate individual claims, but to establish and strengthen the law’s protection for all.
Sentsov and Kolchenko v. Russia
The imposition of Russian nationality on Ukrainian citizens in Crimea resulted in the violation of the applicants' fair trial rights.
Last update: November 20, 2019Huseynov v. Azerbaijan
Emin Huseynov, an Azerbaijani journalist, argues that a declaration renouncing his nationality—made under duress—cannot be used by the government to revoke his citizenship.
Last update: December 07, 2017Zeshan Muhammad v. Spain
Ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers continues to be a persistent and pervasive practice throughout Spain, particularly in the context of immigration control.
Last update: July 31, 2014Magnitsky v. Russia
Sergei Magnitsky died in pretrial detention in Russia after being denied essential medical care, in retaliation for exposing a $230m fraud involving senior Interior Ministry officials.
Last update: October 17, 2012Bagdonavicius v. Russia
This is a case brought by the Open Society Justice Initiative challenging the destruction of Roma families' homes in Russia.
Last update: March 04, 2011Mikhaj and Others v. Russia
This case challenges discrimination against Roma children in Tula, Russia, who have been placed in segregated classes and refused the opportunity to study beyond the fifth year of primary school.
Last update: February 16, 2010Makhashev v. Russia
This case involves brothers who were beaten by Russian police and subjected to anti-Chechen insults. Discrimination by police against Chechens is common in Russia, but this was the first time it has been challenged in court.
Last update: November 26, 2009Williams v. Spain
With Women’s Link Worldwide and SOS-Racismo Madrid, the Open Society Justice Initiative filed a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Committee on behalf of Rosalind Williams regarding a case of racial profiling by a Spanish police officer.
Last update: August 12, 2009