Joshua Hitchens acts as sole counsel in the third delisting challenge brought under the Russian Sanctions Regulations

Joshua Hitchens appeared as sole counsel for the Claimant, the first mono-British national to be sanctioned under the UK’s post 2018 autonomous sanctions framework. 

Judgment was handed down on 12 January 2024 in the third s.38 Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA 2018) delisting challenge brought under the Russian Sanctions Regulations.

Mr Justice Johnson held:

• (a.) SAMLA does empower the Secretary of State to interfere with the right to freedom of speech/expression;
• (b.) The Regulations are lawful and have the effect the Secretary of State contended they have; and
• (c.) The interferences with Mr Phillips Convention rights were lawful and proportionate.

The Claimant is expected to seek permission to appeal.

Background to this case

Josh was instructed in this case in 2023 when the Claimant’s story was published on various media outlets. Read our earlier article for the full background story; https://www.outertemple.com/josh-hitchens-of-outer-temple-chambers-in-administrative-court-in-latest-sanctions-de-listing-challenge/

Find out more

Joshua Hitchens is a public law and commercial barrister with particular expertise in sanctions and international trade. He regularly advises sanctions authorities, companies, designated persons and transactional lawyers on sanctions and export control matters. He is one of the most junior barristers ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for public law work.  

To find out more about Joshua, contact Sam Carter on +44 (0)203 989 6669 or George Bennett on +44 (0)207 427 0807.

News 15 Jan, 2024