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.
Askarov v. Kyrgyzstan
Human rights defender Azimjan Askarov was detained and tortured by police in Kyrgyzstan after documenting human rights violations committed during inter-ethnic conflict in 2010. Askarov was given a life sentence after being denied a fair trial and died in July 2020.
Last update: October 01, 2019Akmatov v. Kyrgyzstan
Turdubek Akmatov was taken to the local police station in Kyrgyzstan and severely beaten during ten hours in custody. He died a few hours after being released without charge.
Last update: October 01, 2019Ernazarov v. Kyrgyzstan
The Ernazarov case concerns the death in custody of Rahmanberdi Enazarov, who was arrested in November 2005 and charged with the serious sexual offense of forced sodomy.
Last update: October 01, 2019Chowdury and others v. Greece
The European Court of Human Right found that a group of Bangladeshi strawberry pickers had been subjected to forced labor in Greece.
Last update: March 27, 2017Akunov v. Kyrgyzstan
The death of a political activist in police custody in April 2007 after undergoing a severe beating reflects a larger pattern of violence in Kyrgyzstan.
Last update: October 03, 2011Moidunov v. Kyrgyzstan
After a dispute on the street, Tashkenbai Moidunov was taken to a police station in Kyrgyzstan. Later that night, he was found dead in his cell. Despite the evidence, there was never a proper investigation into his death.
Last update: July 19, 2011Deyda Hydara Jr. and Others v. The Gambia
The Open Society Justice Initiative is representing the family of Deyda Hydara, a Gambian journalist killed in 2004. The case calls for a full investigation and seeks compensation for the family.
Last update: April 01, 2011The Prosecutor v. Nahimana et al.
The Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) convicted the accused of incitement to commit genocide, but in so doing blurred the distinction between hate speech and international crimes.
Last update: November 28, 2007