John Helmer — European Court Of Justice Introduces The Anti-Rasmussen Rule — Sanctions Cannot Be Imposed By Reason Of Fabrication, Lies, Disinformation

In a judgement issued in Luxembourg on Thursday, September 18, the court ruled that the European Union(EU) cannot lawfully introduce sanctions against states, corporations, state organizations, or individuals without stating reasons which can be substantiated in evidence to a standard of proof tested in court....

In October 2012, the EU banned transactions with Iranian banks and financial institutions, as well as the import, purchase and transportation of natural gas from Iran, the construction of oil tankers for Iran, and the flagging and classification of Iranian tankers and cargo vessels. 

After the sanctions campaign commenced, Bank Mellat went to court in the UK and the EU Court of Justice, challenging the allegation that it was connected to Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The bank commenced litigating in London in November 2009. Almost five years later, in June of this year, Bank Mellat won a ruling from the UK Supreme Court, the final court of appeal, rejecting the basis in evidence for the sanctions imposed on the bank. This followed a similar condemnation by the European Court, issued in January 2013. That story, and the two court judgements, can be read here. 

“Mere allegations” were inadmissible to support sanctions, the two courts have ruled....

This week, the Central Bank of Iran won a separate lawsuit against the EU. The new ruling can be read here.

Dancing with Bears
European Court Of Justice Introduces The Anti-Rasmussen Rule — Sanctions Cannot Be Imposed By Reason Of Fabrication, Lies, Disinformation

John Helmer