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.
Seydi and others v. France
Racial profiling by the police is pervasive in France. This case argues that the application of Article 78-2 of the French Criminal Procedure Code violated numerous fundamental rights and freedoms.
Last update: October 04, 2013S.A.S. v France
In October 2010, France enacted a law banning the wearing of any clothing which fully covers the face in any public space. In effect the law is intended to regulate the burqa and niqab.
Last update: April 23, 2013Bagdonavicius 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, 2010Sejdic and Finci v. Bosnia and Herzegovina
This case is about the right of minorities to run for political office in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Last update: December 22, 2009Makhashev 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, 2009Timishev v. Russia
The Open Society Justice Initiative represented a man of Chechen origin in a challenge to racial profiling by Russian police in the Caucasus, where non-Slavs are disproportionately stopped and detained.
Last update: October 22, 2008Nachova v. Bulgaria
This case involves the killing of two unarmed Roma conscripts by the Bulgarian military. The Open Society Justice Initiative argues that the incident violated the European Convention on Human Rights.
Last update: July 06, 2005