Zimbabwean senator challenges his inclusion in EU sanctions

Senator Aguy Georgias' has issued proceedings in the General Court of the European Union, to challenge his unlawful inclusion within the European Union sanctions regime.

London solicitors representing Trinity Engineering, Georgiadis Trucking and Harare businessman, Senator Aguy Georgias have filed papers in the General Court in Luxembourg for a claim for significant damages.

Barrister Hugh Mercer QC, of Essex Court Chambers instructed by Malcolm Robson and Elizabeth Goulder, solicitors of London law firm Bates, Wells and Braithwaite last week filed two applications, one for damages and the other to expedite the proceedings.

Georgias, who is Deputy Minister of Public Works, is making the claim against the EU Council and EU Commission for personal and consequential business losses suffered as a result of his unlawful inclusion on the EU sanctions list, first implemented against targeted individuals and institutions in Zimbabwe on 18 February 2002.

Yesterday, a Ugandan peace negotiator David Matsanga also filed an application in the European Union General court in Brussels, challenging economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

Matsanga argues that the sanctions imposed following a law enacted in 2001 by the Unites States of America continue to be a serious and blatant violation of human rights as they have inflicted unnecessary, unjustified and great harm to the Zimbabwean people.