PRESS RELEASE: LAW FIRM IN LONDON SECURES LANDMARK CONVICTION IN CRETE RAPE CASE

A prominent law firm specializing in international cases, successfully represented an 18-year-old British tourist who endured a harrowing ordeal in July 2022 on the Greek island of Crete. The perpetrators, two Pakistani men, were found guilty of gang rape and physical harm. The case hearing, held at the Court House in Rethymno, Greece, concluded on 21 June 2023 with the defendants receiving the maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as decided unanimously by the judges and juries.

This groundbreaking conviction marks a significant step towards justice for the survivor. The firm's legal team comprised Solicitors Francesco Meduri and Elena Hadjikyriakou, together with Greece-based lawyers Anna Perdikaris and Emmanouil Xenikos.

In addition to the charges of gang rape and physical harm, the defendants faced accusations of breaking immigration laws and illegal entry into Greece. The proceedings revealed a previous history of criminal behaviour by one of the perpetrators, further underscoring the need for accountability and the potential for civil liability to be applied to the state.

Fidlaw, has been at the forefront of this groundbreaking case. The firm's efforts have not only resulted in a just outcome for the survivor but have also sent a strong message that perpetrators will be held accountable, regardless of their nationality.

The conviction sets a precedent, providing hope for survivors and working towards a safer, more just society.

PRESS RELEASE: VATICAN AND ITALIAN AUTHORITIES SUFFER DEFEAT

The Court of Rome on 2nd February 2022 confirmed that the Italian detention warrant issued against our client Gianluigi Torzi has been withdrawn. As a result, steps should be taken immediately for the withdrawal of the extradition warrant and discontinuance of extradition proceedings against our client in the UK.

The full reasoning of the Court of Rome has not been released, but it follows the ruling by the Italian Supreme Court earlier in January 2022 that the existing arrest warrant should be annulled due to material failures of disclosure by the Rome Prosecutor and the Vatican Promotor of Justice when applying for the original detention warrant. Such failings were also set out in detail in a related judgment issued by His Honour Judge Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court in restraint proceedings earlier in March 2021.

In light of this ruling, the prosecution in the parallel trials in Italy and in the Vatican should reflect upon the unfair suppression of key defence evidence which undermines any suggestion of our client’s involvement in either extortion or money laundering.

Mr Torzi was represented in the extradition proceedings by Francesco Meduri of Fidlaw Ltd and Janes Solicitors and instructed counsel were Ben Cooper QC and Malcolm Hawkes of Doughty Street Chambers. 

In a landmark ruling Fidlaw and Janes Solicitors have successfully obtained the discharge of a Restraint Order (obtained by the CPS on behalf of the Vatican City State) after a ruling by His Honour Judge Baumgartner - sitting at Southwark Crown Court who also awarded our client his costs of and incidental to the application.

Settled a $3.7m claim against Marex Financial. Terms of settlement remain private and confidential.

Acted for three international companies under their capacities as shareholders of a UK company on an urgent application to withhold a shareholders’ meeting and pursue a claim to the High Court.

Acted for two UK companies to obtain an order for pre-action disclosure against a firm of solicitors in London following their wrongful payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax during the purchase of a property.

Acting for the borrower to facilitate an acquisition and residential development in Hyde Park with Investec Bank Plc.

Acting on a number of joint ventures between a European fund and third-party investors for the acquisition of several flagship buildings throughout Europe, together with the negotiation of asset management agreements for the management of those properties on behalf of the joint ventures.

Acted for the sale of a 80-bedroom Hotel in Central London to a leading hotel operator.

Advising several major property investment, regeneration, and development companies on and preparation of documentation for interim and final possession claims both in the High Court and County Court.

Advised a high street chain on brand protection and IP disputes against competitors.

Advised American franchisors on insolvency options and the restructuring for large retail and hotel leisure units in prime central London.

Acted for a claimant, the UK arm of a well-known Italian bank, to obtain repayment of un-settled funds through preparation and threat of injunctive proceedings against a financial institution.

Advised shareholders on the group restructuring of a national distributor in the food and drink sector.

Acted for various companies in the UK in their cross-border merger applications with European-based companies.