farlegal

Article | Tariq Ramadan & Entraide Pénale

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:43:39 GMT

Acquittement à Genève | Fausses accusations

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:39:56 GMT

Avocate pénaliste à Genève - Acquittement dans une affaire de fausses accusations d'infractions sexuelles

Une victoire judiciaire contre une condamnation précipitée du Ministère public genevois

Dans une affaire récente, j’ai obtenu l’acquittement complet d’un client faussement accusé d’infractions d’ordre sexuel à Genève. Une victoire judiciaire, certes. Mais surtout, un exemple flagrant de dérive procédurale, et de ce qui arrive lorsque les procureurs condamnent sans instruire, violant les droits fondamentaux des justiciables.

Ordonnance pénale à Genève: une condamnation sans instruction

Mon client avait été condamné par ordonnance pénale rendue par le Ministère public genevois. Aucun interrogatoire par un procureur. Aucun débat contradictoire. La décision reposait uniquement sur les procès-verbaux de la police — qui, ironie du sort, concluait qu’il n’y avait pas suffisamment d’éléments pour retenir une infraction pénale.

Cette manière de procéder viole directement la maxime d’instruction prévue à l’article 6 du Code de procédure pénale suisse (CPP), qui impose aux autorités pénales de rechercher la vérité à charge et à décharge.

Le parquet genevois n’a pas respecté cette mission.

Le résultat: une condamnation hâtive, en contradiction avec les principes fondamentaux du droit pénal suisse.

C’est à ce moment-là que mon client m’a confié sa défense.

Opposition à l’ordonnance pénale – première étape pour rétablir un procès équitable à Genève

Nous avons immédiatement formé opposition à cette ordonnance pénale, comme le prévoit la loi. Ce recours a permis ce que mon client n’avait jamais eu: un véritable procès pénal, public et contradictoire, devant le Tribunal de police à Genève.

Lors de l’audience, j’ai mis en lumière:

Les contradictions manifestes dans les déclarations de la plaignante.
Une instruction lacunaire et partiale menée par le Ministère public genevois.

Au terme du procès, le Tribunal a prononcé l’acquittement, et a condamné l’État de Genève à indemniser mon client.

Pourquoi cette affaire intéresse toute personne confrontée à une procédure pénale à Genève

Ce dossier n’est pas un cas isolé. À Genève, les ordonnances pénales du Ministère public dans les dossiers d'infractions sexuelles - en particulier dans les cas de " parole contre parole " - tombent souvent sans réelle instruction, en violation des droits de la défense.

C’est une mécanique bureaucratique où la présomption d’innocence est souvent la première victime. Ces pratiques mettent en péril les fondements mêmes de notre système.

Heureusement, la procédure d’opposition permet de stopper ces décisions arbitraires – à condition d’avoir une défense rigoureuse, stratégique et combative.

Confiez à notre cabinet d'avocat à Genève votre défense en matière pénale

Si vous, ou un proche, êtes accusé à tort, ou si vous faites l'objet d'une ordonnance pénale du Ministère public, contactez immédiatement une avocate spécialisée en droit pénal à Genève.

Vous aurez besoin :

d’un regard stratégique,

d’une défense rigoureuse et combative,

d’une avocate capable de confronter le Ministère public sur le terrain du droit,

et surtout, de remettre la vérité au cœur de la procédure.

C’est ce que j’ai fait pour ce client.

C’est ce que je fais pour chacun de mes clients.

Et c’est ce que je ferai pour vous.

---

Shayan Farhad ,

Avocate au Barreau de Genève et Solicitor des Cours supérieures de l'Angleterre et du Pays de Galles

FARLEGAL Turns 3!

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:43:39 GMT

Three years ago, I started FARLEGAL with nothing but a vision. Today, it has become a practice I’m deeply proud of — built on criminal defense and cross-border disputes, and above all, on the trust of those who turn to me in their most critical moments. Here are a few highlights from Year 3.

Accusé(e) à tort en Suisse? Guide d'une Avocate en Droit Pénal à Genève

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:52:31 GMT

Introduction

Vous ne pensiez sans doute jamais chercher avocat en droit pénal à Genève . Et pourtant, vous y voilà.

Que vous soyez expatrié, chef d’entreprise, personnalité publique ou simplement au mauvais endroit au mauvais moment, faire face à une accusation pénale en Suisse peut être un véritable choc.

Du jour au lendemain, votre liberté, votre carrière, votre réputation et votre avenir sont en jeu.

En tant que cabinet d’avocat de droit pénal à Genève, nous sommes spécialisés dans la défense pénale, tant pour une clientèle locale qu’internationale, confrontée à des accusations infondées en Suisse.

En tant qu’avocate spécialisée en droit pénal à Genève, Me Shayan Farhad intervient dès le premier jour pour protéger vos droits avec rigueur, stratégie et discrétion.

Pourquoi choisir FARLEGAL – Votre étude d'avocat spécialisée en droit pénal à Genève

Me Shayan Farhad, avocate pénaliste à Genève, est doublement qualifiée en Suisse et en Angleterre. Ancienne procureure et ancienne avocate en contentieux pour les plus grands cabinets d'avocats américains, elle maîtrise les deux côtés de la barre et sait démanteler une accusation de l’intérieur.

Lorsque votre vie est en jeu, l’expérience fait la différence.

Dans le cadre d’un dossier de fausses accusations, la justice pénale suisse peut sembler tout sauf juste. C’est pourquoi FARLEGAL concentre exclusivement son activité sur la défense pénale à Genève et en Suisse.

Chez FARLEGAL, nous ne faisons pas que défendre. Nous obtenons des résultats.

Des délis aux affaires pénales graves, y compris dans un récemment procès pour meurtre médiatisé, où notre client a été entièrement acquitté , notre cabinet est reconnu lorsque l’enjeu est vital.

Nous avons un but clair: défendre les innocents et faire triompher la vérité.

Notre méthode:

- La règle des 24 heures: pourquoi les premières 24 heures après un contact policier sont déterminantes.

- Notre approche face aux fausses accusations en Suisse: stratégie de défense, enquêtes discrètes, et une défense acharnée.

- Pourquoi l’innocence ne suffit pas: comprendre la procédure pénale suisse et pourquoi le silence et un avocat sont vos meilleures armes.

Vous faites l'objet de fausses accusations pénales en Suisse? Contactez-nous immédiatement

Que vous ayez reçu une convocation de la police, que votre nom apparaisse dans une enquête, ou que vous pressentiez simplement que des poursuites se préparent: n’attendez pas.

Contactez Me Shayan Farhad, fondatrice de FARLEGAL, avocate spécialisée en droit pénal à Genève.

Réservez une consultation | Écrivez-nous

Falsely Accused in Switzerland: Insights from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Geneva

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:26:23 GMT

Expert Legal Help from a Geneva Criminal Lawyer

You probably never expected to be searching for criminal defense lawyer in Geneva . But here you are.

Whether you're an expatriate, a company director, a public figure, or simply someone caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, facing a criminal accusation in Switzerland can be overwhelming.

Suddenly, your freedom, your career, your reputation and your future are all at risk.

At Geneva criminal law firm FARLEGAL, we specialize in defending clients - local and international alike - against false accusations in Switzerland.

As an English-speaking criminal defense attorney in Geneva, Shayan Farhad works proactively and tirelessly to protect your rights from day one.

Why Clients Trust FARLEGAL | Criminal Lawyer in Geneva Who Fight for You

Geneva criminal lawyer Shayan Farhad is a dual-qualified attorney in Switzerland and in England. As a former federal prosecutor and former litigator at top-tier US law firms, she knows both sides of the courtroom and how to dismantle a case from the inside.

When your life is on the line, experience matters.

When you’re wrongly accused, the Swiss criminal justice system can feel anything but fair.

At FARLEGAL, we don’t just defend. We win. From misdemeanors to serious crimes cases, including a recent high-profile murder trial where our client was fully acquitted , our firm is trusted when the stakes are life-changing.

We have a track record of defending the innocent and making the truth prevail.

Here’s how we work:

- The 24-Hour Rule: Why your first 24 hours after police contact are critical.

- How We Fight False Accusations in Switzerland: Strategic defense, discreet investigations, and relentless advocacy.

- Why Innocence is Not Enough: Understanding Swiss criminal procedure—and why silence and legal counsel are your best defense.

Facing Wrongful Criminal Charges in Switzerland? Speak to our Geneva Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Whether you've received a police summons, your name appears in an investigation, or you simply suspect that something is coming: do not wait.

Contact Shayan Farhad, founder of FARLEGAL, recognized as one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in Geneva, Switzerland.

Book a consultation | Email us

FARLEGAL Obtient l'Acquittement d'un Homme Accusé à Tort de Meurtre

Fri, 23 May 2025 05:12:36 GMT

422 jours de détention. Une accusation de meurtre. Un procès médiatique. Une vérité rétablie.

Chez FARLEGAL, nous avons l'immense satisfaction d’annoncer l’acquittement total de notre client, faussement accusé de meurtre par le Ministère public genevois. Au total, notre client avait passé 422 jours en détention provisoire. À l’issue d’un procès à haute intensité et médiatique, le Tribunal correctionnel de Genève a reconnu que notre client est innocent de tous les soupçons qui pesaient sur lui. Il a ordonné sa libération immédiate et a condamné l'État de Genève à lui verser un dédommagement.

Une défense construite pierre par pierre

Dès le premier jour, nous avons identifié les failles d’une enquête à charge, conduite au mépris de la présomption d’innocence. Nous avons démonté l’accusation, pièce par pièce, dans un combat judiciaire acharné. L’enjeu: la vie d’un homme. La vérité.

Notre méthode: rigueur, stratégie et maîtrise des faits.

Notre engagement: total.

Quand l'État dérive, nous rétablissons l’ordre

Chez FARLEGAL, nous intervenons là où l’erreur judiciaire menace. Nous défendons les innocents avec force et intégrité. Ce verdict est une victoire pour notre client, mais aussi un rappel: la défense pénale est un pilier de l’État de droit. Elle ne cède pas. Elle ne transige pas avec les faits.

Vous êtes accusé(e) à tort? Contactez-nous.

FARLEGAL est un cabinet d'avocat à Genève spécialisé en droit pénal, fondé pour répondre aux situations les plus graves: accusations injustes, procès complexes, enjeux humains majeurs.

Notre spécialité: faire triompher la vérité.

Consultation confidentielle en ligne ou par email pour les cas les plus urgents.

FARLEGAL Secures Full Acquittal in High-Profile Murder Case

Fri, 23 May 2025 05:12:33 GMT

Wrongly Accused of Murder: Our Client Fully Acquitted

At FARLEGAL, we are proud to announce the complete acquittal of our client, who was falsely accused of murder by the Geneva Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Our client spent 422 days in pretrial detention. After a high-intensity, high-profile trial, the Geneva Criminal Court found our client innocent of all allegations. The court ordered his immediate release and condemned the State of Geneva to pay financial compensation for the injustice he endured.

A Defense Built Brick by Brick

From day one, Geneva criminal defense attorney Shayan Farhad identified the structural flaws of a biased investigation conducted in disregard of the presumption of innocence. She dismantled the prosecution’s case, piece by piece, in a relentless legal battle.

The stakes: one man’s life.

The goal: the truth.

Our method: precision, strategy, and mastery of the facts.

Our commitment: unwavering.

When the State Overreaches, We Restore Order

At FARLEGAL, we intervene where wrongful prosecutions threaten justice. We defend the innocent with strength and integrity.

This verdict is a victory for our client, but it also serves as a powerful reminder: criminal defense is a cornerstone of the rule of law. It doesn’t yield. It doesn’t compromise the facts.

Falsely Accused? Contact Us.

FARLEGAL is a Geneva criminal law firm dedicated to criminal defense that was founded and led by Shayan Farhad. We were built to take on the most serious matters: wrongful accusations, complex trials, and life-altering stakes.

Our specialty: making the truth prevail.

Urgent cases welcomed – Confidential consultations available online or by email.

Acquitté: Récit d'un combat de 422 jours.

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:03:00 GMT

Il avait été accusé du pire. Et détenu 422 jours pour un crime qu’il n’avait pas commis. Voici le récit de ce que fut, pour lui — et pour nous — un combat pour la vérité, la justice, et la liberté.

422 jours. C’est le temps que mon client a passé en détention pour un crime qu’il n’a pas commis. Le plus grave de tous: meurtre.

Hier soir, 20 mai 2025, les juges du Tribunal correctionnel de Genève ont fait résonner, dans le silence de la salle d’audience, la vérité que je défendais depuis le premier jour: mon client est innocent.

Acquittement total. Par la grande porte.

Et, avec ce verdict: sa libération immédiate et la condamnation de l’État de Genève à lui verser un dédommagement.

Ce matin, je l’ai rencontré dans un café, dehors, en liberté, pour la première fois. Pas dans la froideur des parloirs de Champ-Dollon, où je lui rendais visite depuis des mois.

Il était là, libre. Mais brisé. Meurtri.

Ce procès, c’est l’histoire d’une instruction pénale menée exclusivement à charge, par un procureur qui a condamné avant même d’enquêter. Qui a écarté des preuves à décharge. Qui a bâti son dossier sur des hypothèses, une fiction, plutôt que de rechercher la vérité – sa mission la plus fondamentale.

L’une de mes dernières paroles aux juges, dans ma plaidoirie, fut celle-ci:

« Aujourd’hui, vous jugez un homme. Mais vous jugez aussi une méthode. Vous jugez ce qu’il advient de notre justice quand elle renonce à sa propre rigueur. Quand elle échange la présomption d’innocence contre la commodité d’un coupable désigné. Quand elle sacrifie l’enquête à l’hypothèse. »

En tant qu’avocate pénaliste, je me bats pour des instants comme celui d’hier. Chaque dossier est un long combat. Mené dans l’arène. Seule. Souvent contre la défaite, car l’adversaire est redoutable: l’État, avec toute sa force, tout son pouvoir, et, parfois, toute sa dérive, lorsque ses représentants trahissent leur serment – comme ce fut le cas dans cette instruction.

Mais pas cette fois. Hier soir, la justice a été restaurée. Un homme a retrouvé sa dignité, son honneur, sa liberté. Et moi, j’ai retrouvé ce souffle qui me rappelle pourquoi je tiens debout dans cette arène. Dossier après dossier.

« Dans une carrière, ce genre de victoire n’arrive qu’une ou deux fois.

Savourez ce moment. »

m’a dit un ténor du barreau genevois.

Je savoure. Et je redouble de force pour continuer à défendre celles et ceux que l’on accuse à tort.

Shayan Farhad

FARLEGAL Contributes Switzerland Chapter to Global Legal Insights: International Arbitration 2025

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:06:10 GMT

FARLEGAL, a Swiss boutique law firm in cross-border disputes, shares insight on arbitration trends in Global Legal Insights 2025.

The founder of FARLEGAL, Shayan Farhad, had the honor of authoring the Switzerland chapter for Global Legal Insights — International Arbitration 2025 . This insightful contribution explores the fundamental legal principles and recent advancements that establish Switzerland as a pivotal center for international arbitration.

For Shayan, this marks a return to the field that ignited her career and continues to influence her practice today. Prior to her role as an assistant federal prosecutor and the establishment of FARLEGAL, she practiced as an international arbitration attorney at U.S. law firms — a pivotal experience that laid the groundwork for the cross-border disputes she adeptly navigates today.

Read and download the full chapter here: https://www.globallegalinsights.com/practice-areas/international-arbitration-laws-and-regulations/switzerland/

Le Silence Avant les Mots

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:38:20 GMT

Le Silence Avant Les Mots – Réflexions d’Une Avocate en Défense Pénale

Il y a un moment, dans chaque procès, où le temps ralentit. L’air est chargé d’anticipation, les murs du tribunal se referment, témoins silencieux du poids de la justice. Je me lève de ma chaise, lissant le tissu de ma robe, sentant le sol solide sous mes pieds. Le seul son que j’entends est celui de ma propre respiration lorsque je m’avance. Le silence est absolu.

Je prends place au centre, face au juge. Le poids de trois années d’injustice pèse sur ma cliente, assise devant moi. Elle a vécu dans l’ombre de fausses accusations, enfermée dans un récit qui n’a jamais été le sien. Aujourd’hui, je parle pour elle. Je porte sa vérité dans ma voix, dans mes mots, dans le rythme de mon discours.

La salle d’audience est immobile lorsque je commence.

Une plaidoirie finale est bien plus qu’un raisonnement juridique. C’est un appel à la justice. C’est le moment où la loi cesse d’être une abstraction et devient quelque chose de vivant, d’humain. Je ne me contente pas d’énoncer des faits et des articles de loi – je me bats pour la dignité de ma cliente, pour ce qu’on lui a volé. Chaque mot est pesé, chaque pause est voulue, chaque silence rappelle ce qui est en jeu.

Alors que je prononce mes derniers mots, je regarde ma cliente. Des larmes bordent ses yeux. À cet instant, je sais qu’elle se sent entendue. Elle n’est plus seule dans ce combat. Et quoi qu’il arrive ensuite, elle sait que quelqu’un s’est levé pour elle, s’est battu pour elle, a refusé qu’elle soit réduite à une fausse accusation.

C’est dans des journées comme celle-ci que je me rappelle pourquoi j’ai choisi cette voie. Ce ne sont pas les seules victoires, ni les batailles juridiques gagnées. C’est le devoir sacré de se tenir devant la cour et de faire résonner la vérité dans le silence. C’est savoir que mes mots, ma voix, peuvent porter le fardeau d’un autre et le transformer en quelque chose de puissant.

Pour mes confrères avocats en défense pénale, c’est cela que nous défendons : pas seulement des affaires, mais des vies. Et à ceux qui se retrouvent faussement accusés, sachez ceci : vous n’êtes pas seuls. Le tribunal peut être froid, le système cassé et impitoyable, mais certains d’entre nous tiennent bon, inébranlables, dans le silence avant les mots, prêts à se battre pour vous.

Car la justice n’est pas seulement un principe. C’est une voix. Et aujourd’hui, elle a été entendue.

Shayan Farhad

The Silence Before the Words

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:36:18 GMT

The Silence Before the Words - A Criminal Defense Attorney's Reflections

There is a moment in every trial when time slows. The air is thick with anticipation, the courtroom walls closing in like witnesses to the weight of justice. I rise from my chair, smoothing the fabric of my gown, and feeling the solid ground beneath my feet. The sound of my own breath is the only thing I hear as I step forward. The silence is absolute.

I take my place at the center, facing the judge. The weight of three years of injustice bears down on my client who sits before me. She has lived in the shadow of false accusations, trapped in a narrative that was never hers. Today, I speak for her. I carry her truth in my voice, in my words, in the cadence of my speech.

The courtroom is still as I begin.

A closing argument is more than just legal reasoning. It is a call for justice. It is the moment when the law ceases to be abstract and becomes something living, something human. I do not merely recite facts and statutes—I fight for my client’s dignity, for what was taken from her. Every word is measured, every pause intentional, each silence a reminder of what is at stake.

As I deliver my final words, I glance at my client. Tears line her eyes. In that moment, I know she feels heard. She is no longer alone in this battle. And no matter what happens next, she knows that someone stood for her, fought for her, refused to let her be reduced to a false accusation.

It is days like this that remind me why I chose this path. It is not the victories alone, nor the legal battles won. It is the sacred duty of standing before the court and speaking truth into the silence. It is the knowledge that my words, my voice, can carry the weight of another’s burden, and transform it into something powerful.

For my fellow criminal defense attorneys, this is what we fight for: not just cases, but lives. And for those who find themselves falsely accused, know this: you are not alone. The courtroom may be cold, the system broken and unforgiving, but there are those of us who stand, unwavering, in the silence before the words, ready to fight for you.

Because justice is not just a principle. It is a voice. And today, it was heard.

Shayan Farhad

Press | Tribune de Genève Spotlights FARLEGAL’s Murder Case

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:00:56 GMT

Geneva-Based Newspaper Tribune de Genève Spotlights FARLEGAL’s High-Profile Murder Case

Geneva-based newspaper Tribune de Genève recently published an article spotlighting one of FARLEGAL's high-profile cases: the wrongful prosecution of a Christian minister accused of murder by the Geneva Public Prosecutor's Office. This complex case involves intricate legal and factual issues set against the backdrop of an international extradition.

As the defense counsel for the wrongfully accused individual, Shayan Farhad shared insights into the challenges surrounding the case. A focal point of the article is the contentious issue of our client’s pre-trial detention, as ordered by the Geneva Tribunal des mesures de contrainte and upheld on appeal by the Criminal Court of Justice ( Chambre pénale de recours ). Shayan Farhad discussed the highly problematic aspects of the court’s decision to deny bail, drawing attention to how the ruling reflects broader systemic issues faced by foreign individuals in Switzerland. She pointed out that, like her client, many non-Swiss individuals face significant barriers when defending their rights in the Swiss criminal legal system. She highlighted the Swiss criminal authorities’ failure to apply the law and to ensure fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their citizenship or background.

Beyond the issue on detention, Shayan Farhad emphasized the existence of material evidence in the case which refutes the Geneva public prosecutor's thesis in this case, further demonstrating the wrongful nature of our client's murder charge.

As the case progresses, Shayan Farhad remains committed to advocating fiercely for her client until justice is restored.

Read the Tribune de Genève article here .

FARLEGAL Turns 2!

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:40:17 GMT

As we celebrate the milestone of our second anniversary , FARLEGAL proudly reflects on a year of significant achievements in the realm of criminal law and cross-border disputes. Our dedication to providing sharp criminal defense and legal representation, bolstered by the unique expertise of former prosecutor and big law litigator Shayan Farhad , FARLEGAL has positioned itself as a trusted ally for its clients.

Join us as we highlight our journey and the successes that define our firm’s core work:

Reflecting on a Decade: The Symbolism Behind My LinkedIn Photo & a Journey of Possibility and Purpose

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:00:55 GMT

June 2024 marks my tenth anniversary as a lawyer, a milestone that has inspired me to reflect on the journey that brought me here. This blog post was sparked by a conversation I had with my marketing consultant extraordinaire some time ago. During our discussion about LinkedIn, the topic of my cover photo came up, and I shared its story with him. Now, I would like to share that story with you.

Summer 2014. As I embarked on a months-long journey across New England and Canada, fresh from passing the bar and qualifying as an attorney, I sought to capture moments that resonated with the spirit of (self-)discovery before fully transitioning into my legal career. Little did I know then that this adventure would serve as a last hurrah before diving headfirst into the world of Big Law and beginning my professional career.

One such moment is encapsulated in my LinkedIn cover photograph, which I took at the Rhode Island Superior Court in Providence ( above ). This image holds a profound significance for me, reflecting not just a physical location, but a fond memory.

On a warm afternoon in Providence, I found myself walking by the courthouse, its imposing structure serving as a symbol of justice. I decided to step inside. After navigating the formalities, I was granted permission to sit in on a docket case, a criminal matter. The courtroom buzzed with a unique energy, a blend of tension, and anticipation. I exchanged words with both the defense attorney and the prosecutor, who were intrigued as to why a lawyer from overseas would choose to spend her free time in a courtroom. Observing the proceedings, I was struck by the solemnity and responsibility that comes with the practice of law. This moment deeply resonated with me, reinforcing my great interest in advocacy that had guided me through law school and my training.

After the case, I wandered into the courthouse library. The quiet sanctuary of legal thought and scholarship offered a contrast to the charged atmosphere of the courtroom. I spent some time alone there, browsing through the pages of criminal law textbooks. Sitting there in silence, I felt a profound connection to the generations of lawyers who had walked this path before me.

It was in this setting that I took the photograph featured on my LinkedIn profile for nearly a decade now. This image is more than just a snapshot; it encapsulates the eagerness, potential and openness I felt on that day. Standing in the library, I was filled with a sense of purpose and direction. Everything felt possible. That photograph serves as a reminder of that feeling — of the boundless opportunities that lie ahead and the impact I would hopefully make as an attorney.

This picture symbolizes the beginning of my professional journey, a moment where my aspirations aligned with the reality of my chosen career. It represents a day when I experienced profound joy and envisioned my life as a newly qualified attorney. Every time I look at that photograph, I am reminded of the excitement and determination I felt, and my commitment to the pursuit of justice and to helping those whose paths I cross.

In sharing this story, I hope to convey the depth of my dedication and the personal path that has shaped my professional identity. The cover photograph on my LinkedIn profile is a reminder of the sense of sheer hope, determination, and purpose I felt in those early days after qualifying as an attorney. These sentiments have guided me through the last ten years and will continue to inspire me through the years to come.

Shayan

Version française:

Juin 2024 marque mon dixième anniversaire en tant qu’avocate, une étape qui m’a inspirée à réfléchir au chemin parcouru jusqu’ici. Ce billet de blog a été déclenché par une conversation que j’ai eue il y a quelque temps avec mon consultant marketing. Lors de notre discussion portant sur LinkedIn, le sujet de ma photo de couverture est venu sur le tapis, et je lui ai raconté son histoire. Aujourd’hui, j’aimerais partager cette histoire avec vous.

Été 2014. Alors que je me lançais dans un voyage de plusieurs mois à travers la Nouvelle-Angleterre (États-Unis d'Amérique) et le Canada, fraîchement brevetée, je cherchais à capturer des moments qui résonnaient avec l’esprit de la (re)découverte de soi avant de me plonger pleinement dans ma carrière juridique. À l’époque, j’ignorais que cette aventure serait une sorte de dernier souffle de liberté avant d’entrer de plain-pied dans le monde des grands cabinets et de commencer ma carrière professionnelle.

Un de ces moments est immortalisé dans la photo de couverture de mon profil LinkedIn, que j’ai prise au tribunal supérieur du Rhode Island, à Providence ( ci-dessus ). Cette image revêt une grande signification pour moi, reflétant non seulement un lieu géographique, mais aussi un souvenir cher à mon cœur.

Par un après-midi chaud à Providence, je me suis retrouvée à passer devant le palais de justice, dont la structure imposante servait de symbole de justice. J’ai décidé d’y entrer. Après avoir rempli les formalités nécessaires, j’ai obtenu la permission d’assister à une audience, une affaire criminelle. La salle d’audience bourdonnait d’une énergie unique, un mélange de tension et d’anticipation. J’ai échangé quelques mots avec l’avocat de la défense et le procureur, qui étaient tous deux curieux de savoir pourquoi une avocate étrangère choisirait de passer son temps libre dans une salle d’audience. En observant les débats, j’ai été frappée par la solennité et la responsabilité qu’implique la pratique du droit. Ce moment a profondément résonné en moi, renforçant mon grand intérêt pour l'avocature, qui m’avait guidée tout au long de mes études de droit et de ma formation.

Après l’audience, je me suis aventurée dans la bibliothèque du tribunal. Le calme sanctuaire de réflexion juridique et d’érudition offrait un contraste saisissant avec l’atmosphère chargée de la salle d’audience. J’y ai passé du temps seule, feuilletant des manuels de droit pénal. Assise dans ce silence, j’ai ressenti un lien profond avec les générations d’avocat(e)s qui avaient emprunté ce chemin avant moi.

C’est dans ce cadre que j’ai pris la photo qui figure sur mon profil LinkedIn depuis près d’une décennie. Cette image est bien plus qu’un simple cliché ; elle incarne l’enthousiasme, le potentiel et l’ouverture que je ressentais ce jour-là. Debout dans cette bibliothèque, j’étais emplie d’un sentiment de but et de direction. Tout semblait possible. Cette photo me rappelle ce sentiment — celui des opportunités infinies qui s’offraient à moi et de l’impact que j’espérais avoir en tant qu’avocate.

Cette image symbolise le début de mon parcours professionnel, un moment où mes aspirations se sont alignées avec la réalité de ma carrière choisie. Elle représente un jour où j’ai ressenti une joie profonde et où j’ai visualisé ma vie de jeune avocate. Chaque fois que je regarde cette photo, je me remémore l’excitation et la détermination que j’éprouvais, ainsi que mon engagement envers la quête de justice et l’aide que j'apporterais à ceux dont je croiserais le chemin.

En partageant cette histoire, j’espère transmettre la profondeur de mon engagement et le chemin personnel qui a façonné mon identité professionnelle. La photo de couverture de mon profil LinkedIn est un rappel du sentiment d’espoir, de détermination et de but qui m’animait à mes débuts. Ces sentiments m’ont guidée tout au long des dix dernières années et continueront de m’inspirer dans les années à venir.

Shayan

FARLEGAL Celebrates its First Year: Highlights

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:01:53 GMT

FARLEGAL Turns 1!

A year ago, I launched my law firm with a dream, a vision, and not a single client. A year on, I have a fulfilling litigation practice.

The celebration of this milestone provides an opportunity to reflect upon the firm's journey. As I look back, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to my clients for the trust they have placed in me, as well as to mentors, old colleagues, and friends for their support. With continued commitment and dedication at the heart of the firm's growth, here are the highlights of Year 1 of FARLEGAL.

***

Key cases have included:

Representing several claimants in a civil case in Geneva brought against multiple defendants, which include a major news media corporation and a high-profile personality. The case arises from the violation of my clients' right to honor in connection with serious criminal allegations made on an episode of a popular podcast broadcast on social media and a multitude of platforms online, including YouTube, Amazon, and Spotify. I obtained urgent interim measures ordering the immediate removal of the episode, which were confirmed in a subsequent court decision.

In relation to the same set of facts, I filed criminal complaints on behalf of my clients, which led the prosecutor's office to formally open a criminal investigation for defamation and slander.

Representing a Chicago-based U.S. company in a contractual and art law dispute with a Swiss company arising out of an international auction.

Representing a female employee in a civil case deriving from a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against one of Switzerland's largest banks. I negotiated an in-court resolution in favor of my client, which put an end to a multiyear litigation.

Representing a young female entrepreneur in a commercial tenancy termination dispute against an established Geneva landlord.

Representing an architect in a construction dispute in Geneva arising out of a works and services contract.

Defending an individual against a criminal investigation led by the Geneva prosecutor's office following false criminal allegations of assault and battery made by a plaintiff. I secured the dismissal of all the criminal charges contained in the plaintiff's criminal complaint against my client.

Defending a Geneva father who lost custody of his child following false criminal allegations of domestic violence made by the child's mother.

Representing London-based clients with the enforcement in Switzerland of a Share Purchase Agreement entered into with a Swiss music fintech company and governed by English law.

Advising an executive employee of a UK-registered multinational corporation in relation to a cross-border employment dispute governed by English law.

Collaborative matters:

Assisting one of the world's largest non-profit organizations with its internal safeguarding and whistleblowing policies, where I was specifically in charge of drafting the organization's internal whistleblower protection regulation in line with EU whistleblowing laws.

Working on an ecocide case in close collaboration with fellow international attorneys. At the crossroads of transnational money laundering and corporate criminal liability, the case relates to serious environmental crimes involving a complex supply chain of actors, including large corporations, across multiple continents and jurisdictions.

Assisting an international human rights organization in its implementation in Switzerland, as part of a pro bono matter led by a top-tier U.S. law firm.

New roles:

Joined a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization as a Legal Consultant in the fields of human trafficking and human rights.

Appointed as Legal Advisor to the Board of a Nobel Peace Prize organization that fights for democracy and justice in one of the world's most repressive and totalitarian regimes.

***

Thank you for following FARLEGAL's journey. I look forward to seeing what Year 2 has in store.

Shayan Farhad

Whistleblower Protection in the EU, Switzerland & Beyond

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:56:22 GMT

Whistleblower Protection in the EU, Switzerland & Beyond

This article aims to provide a high-level overview of the protection of whistleblowers in the European Union (EU) and Switzerland, whilst highlighting one stark contrast between the two. It also addresses the question surrounding the extraterritorial reach of the EU Whistleblowing Directive and its ramifications beyond the EU borders.

1) Whistleblower Protection in the European Union

The European Union (EU) Directive 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law – commonly referred to as the EU Whistleblowing Directive – was adopted on 23 October 2019 and came into effect on 16 December 2019. Member States had until 17 December 2021 to transpose it into their national legal framework, even though the vast majority of Member States completed their implementation process past that deadline, with some as recently as a few months ago (including Spain, Italy, Germany, and Luxembourg).

The EU Whistleblowing Directive stemmed from the necessity to harmonize and enhance the enforcement of Union law in important policy areas where breaches of EU law would likely cause harm to the public interest, such as financial services, environmental protection, public procurement, and nuclear safety. In order to achieve that goal, the Directive created a comprehensive legal framework to be applied across all 27 Member States for the protection of whistleblowers who report such breaches and safeguard the interests of the Union.

Essentially, the Directive lays down common minimum standards that all 27 Member States must observe and integrate into their respective national laws in order to ensure adequate whistleblower protection. In a nutshell, Member States are legally required to implement and provide whistleblowers with effective and confidential reporting channels (both internally and externally), observe very strict harmonized timeframes for dealing with whistleblowing reports ( see chart below), and establish a robust anti-retaliation system for whistleblowers. As per the Directive, Member States are also required to provide the same level of protection to whistleblowers who report breaches through public channels ( e.g. the media) in compliance with the rules.

As with any directive, Member States are free – and even encouraged – to go beyond the common minimum standards and provide greater protection. In the case of the EU Whistleblowing Directive, most Members States have indeed widened the scope of protection offered to whistleblowers or opted in on certain areas that the Directive left to their discretion (such as anonymity, i.e. the right for whistleblowers to report breaches anonymously). While all national laws will reflect the Directive’s core minimum standards, this does mean that legal variations exist across the EU and, as such, the exact scope of protection and requirements varies from Member State to Member State.

Here’s a look at two of the key standards: who and what is covered by the Directive.

Who qualifies as a whistleblower under the EU Whistleblowing Directive?

Under the EU Directive, a whistleblower is any person in the private or public sector who acquires information on breaches “in a work-related context” (Article 4).

The scope is therefore extremely broad as it applies regardless of the person’s employment status (employed, self-employed, volunteer, paid, unpaid, etc.) or citizenship (EU or non-EU citizen), and even regardless of whether the employment has begun or ended.

It also applies to third parties to the whistleblower, namely persons who are connected to the whistleblower and who could be subject to retaliation as well (such as colleagues or relatives).

What are the breaches the EU Whistleblowing Directive covers?

Whistleblowers are protected insofar as they report information on breaches stipulated in the EU Whistleblowing Directive, respectively in the relevant national law implementing it.

There are ten categories of wrongdoing that explicitly fall within the scope of the Directive (Article 2). They include public procurement, financial services, protection of the environment, public health, protection of privacy and personal data.

As per the Directive, most Member States have widened the material scope by adding further categories of breaches into their respective national laws. Some have introduced the notion of “public interest”, which gives leeway to authorities as it allows a case-by-case analysis regardless of whether the whistleblower reports an express breach (such as France, The Netherlands, Italy). Denmark has gone as far as to include discrimination, violence and harassment as categories of wrongdoings covered by its whistleblower protection legislation.

2) The Extraterritorial Reach of the EU Whistleblowing Directive

Perhaps the most often left-out yet critical point is the territorial scope of the EU Whistleblowing Directive. This point is particularly relevant given the increasing international presence of companies and organizations, spanning multiple countries and even continents.

In other words: to what extent (if at all) does the EU Whistleblowing Directive apply beyond the EU borders?

This question involves complex sub-considerations, such as the distinction between EU-headquartered entities operating outside of the EU and non-EU entities operating inside the EU. While the answer(s) will partly depend on how the laws implementing the EU Whistleblowing Directive will be applied in the months and years to come, the Directive offers a clue.

In its Recital, the EU Whistleblowing Directive explicitly suggests that internal reporting procedures be extended to reports made within the wider structure of the (UE-registered) entity, not solely within the entity itself ( see § 55 of the Recital).

Broken down, this means reports made by:

(i) the workers of the entity;

(ii) the workers of the entity’s subsidiaries or affiliates (together with (i): the “group”) ;

(iii) any of the group’s agents and suppliers (“ to any extent possible ”); and

(iv) any persons who acquire information through their work-related activities with the entity and the group.

Based on this, it is safe to conclude that the reach of the EU Whistleblowing Directive is aimed to extend beyond the strict borders of the EU. That said, and as evidenced by the language used, it is important to note that some discretion is left to the Member States.

For now, two interpretations can be drawn:

EU-registered entities that conduct their operations outside the EU through affiliates, subsidiaries, agents or suppliers will likely be bound by the Directive’s requirements even when the suspected breach may have taken place outside the EU.
non-EU entities that either have a subsidiary or affiliate in the EU or conduct operations within the EU through an agent or a supplier, are strongly advised to examine the specific legal requirements of the EU market(s) they operate in so as to determine whether they fall within the scope of the Directive and act accordingly by implementing the necessary internal regulations.

In any case, all EU-registered entities with 50 and more employees have until 17 December 2023 to comply with the Directive’s requirements, while those in the financial industry must comply with the Directive regardless of that number.

3) Whistleblower Protection in Switzerland

In Switzerland, whistleblower protection in the private sector is lacking. Attempts to implement a national law that would provide protection for whistleblowers in Switzerland have been systematically squashed by the Swiss parliament (as recently as in 2020). There is thus little to no hope that Switzerland will align with European and international standards in the short to medium term.

That said, the EU Whistleblowing Directive is not completely irrelevant to Swiss-registered entities. As seen above, the Directive may still apply in some cases and its relevance is especially true for those Swiss entities that have EU subsidiaries and/or conduct operations within the EU. Swiss entities with a European or international presence should therefore examine whether they fall under the EU Whistleblowing Directive and act accordingly by ensuring their internal regulations satisfy the Directive’s requirements. Swiss entities may choose to do so anyway for other reasons such as preventing potential whistleblowers from going public with grievances that could be dealt with internally, preserving their reputation and image, or cultivating a corporate ethical culture.

Regardless of the above, it is essential to highlight one stark contrast between the EU and the Swiss legal regimes: whistleblowers in Switzerland are not only unprotected, but they also run the risk of facing various forms of retaliation, legal proceedings, and even criminal prosecution . That is particularly the case in the banking sector and includes journalists as well. This is why it is important to use caution and retain legal counsel before undertaking any action.

In fact, Swiss authorities often choose to allocate their resources to prosecute the whistleblowers who report information on wrongdoing, instead of investigating the actual wrongdoing.

Among multiple examples, the most recent one is the "Suisse Secrets" leak of bank client data in 2022 which essentially exposed the hidden wealth in Switzerland of individuals allegedly involved in serious crimes ranging from money laundering to corruption to human trafficking. Earlier this year, the Office of the Attorney General stated that it had opened a criminal investigation into the leak on suspicions of breaches of economic intelligence, trade secrets, and banking secrecy laws.

Most alarmingly, journalists in Switzerland also face criminal prosecution for reporting and publishing information they receive from whistleblowers in the banking sector. That is due to Article 47 of the Swiss Federal Banking Act, which punishes anyone who discloses banking secrecy information or profits from such information. But it impacts journalists and the freedom of the press, too: under that legal provision, journalists who expose wrongdoing in connection with suspected white-collar crimes (such as money laundering or tax evasion), or any information of public interest arising from leaked banking data, all face criminal prosecution. Calls for reform have been left unanswered so far.

***

How FARLEGAL can assist

FARLEGAL has experience in navigating the complexities and intricacies of whistleblower protection on an EU and international level, and has expertise in litigation and federal criminal prosecution. The firm is committed to helping those who safeguard the public interest by standing up for what is right and speaking out against misconduct and wrongdoing. This also includes journalists who fulfill their duty to the truth by exposing facts. Regardless of where they are based and what their specific needs are, FARLEGAL assists and provides legal support to whistleblowers and those who report information in the public interest.

The firm also has experience in assisting entities looking to comply with the EU Whistleblowing Directive and develop internal whistleblowing regulations in line with both the EU Directive and the relevant national law(s).

Corporate Criminal Liability: A Brief Overview of the Swiss Legal Framework in light of the LAFARGE Criminal Cases in the U.S. and in France

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 14:34:49 GMT

On 18 October 2022, the Eastern District Court of New York sentenced a multinational corporation and its subsidiary to pay USD 777.78 million in fines and forfeiture after they pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging them with conspiracy to provide material support and resources to foreign terrorist organizations in Syria from 2013 to 2014.

In the midst of the Syrian civil war, LAFARGE SA, a global building material manufacturer headquartered in Paris (France), and its subsidiary, LAFARGE CEMENT SYRIA SA, headquartered in Damascus (Syria), negotiated agreements with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and the al-Nusrah Front (ANF) in exchange for permission to operate their cement plant and to obtain economic advantage over their competitors in the Syrian cement market. LAFARGE SA and its subsidiary paid ISIS and ANF, through intermediaries, several millions of dollars. The scheme generated over USD 80 million in gains for all participants – including the subsidiary and the terrorist groups. As part of their guilty pleas, LAFARGE SA and its subsidiary admitted that they had falsified records and backdated contracts with their terrorist partners to conceal their arrangements and avoid accountability. LAFARGE SA is now a division of HOLCIM AG, a Swiss multinational building company headquartered in Zug, following a merger which concluded in July 2015.

This case, which represents the U.S. Justice Department’s first corporate material support for terrorism prosecution, marks an unprecedented shift in corporate criminal liability and a milestone in the fight against corporate impunity.

In her remarks announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said: “In today’s world, corporate crime regularly intersects with national security in areas like terrorist financing, sanctions evasion, and cybercrime. Today, we see that intersection in its starkest form. Many of our cases expose corporate greed and corruption. But this time, corporate criminals joined hands with terrorists instead of corrupt government officials. In its pursuit of profits, Lafarge and its top executives not only broke the law — they helped finance a violent reign of terror that ISIS and al-Nusrah imposed on the people of Syria.”

In France, corporate criminal liability has extended to even more serious charges: LAFARGE SA is currently the subject of separate criminal proceedings in Paris alongside some of its former executives for a similar set of facts within the context of the Syrian civil war, where the corporation is charged with complicity in crimes against humanity committed by ISIS and other armed groups in Syria, in addition to endangering the lives of its employees and financing terrorism.

Under French criminal law, companies are criminally liable for offenses committed by their organs or representatives on behalf of the company (Article 121-2 of the French Criminal Code). However, the indictment of a French multinational corporation for complicity in crimes against humanity is a first and was upheld by France’s highest court, the Cour de Cassation , in September 2021 after it was initially dismissed by the Paris Court of Appeal. In its landmark ruling , the Cour de Cassation found that LAFARGE SA had "precise knowledge" of the activities carried out by ISIS, and that knowingly paying millions of dollars to an organization whose purpose is exclusively criminal suffices to constitute complicity of the crimes committed by the criminal organization regardless of whether the accomplice was pursuing a commercial activity. The Cour de Cassation has thus cleared the path for a criminal trial of a corporation for its alleged complicity in the commission of some of the most serious crimes known to mankind – crimes against humanity.

In stark contrast to the international developments outlined above, corporate criminal liability in Switzerland is somewhat minimal. In the best-case scenario, if an offense is committed in the course of a corporation’s commercial activities (either in Switzerland or abroad if operated by a Swiss corporation), the corporation cannot be directly charged in Switzerland for the committed offense itself, but only for having failed to take the appropriate measures internally that could have prevented the commission of the offense. In practice, this type of corporate criminal liability prosecution is commonly referred to as “defective organization” or défaut d’organisation .

This stems from the two-tier corporate criminal liability system applied in Swiss criminal law – “primary” and “secondary” – which was introduced in 2003 through the enactment of Article 102 of the Swiss Criminal Code. Primary corporate criminal liability applies to a narrow range of specific offenses (including organized crime, terrorism financing, money laundering and various forms of corruption) and provides that a company can only be found directly liable if it failed to take all necessary and reasonable organizational measures required to prevent one of the listed offenses from being committed. Secondary corporate criminal liability applies to all offenses (felonies and misdemeanors) and is only triggered if the individual perpetrator of the committed offense cannot be identified due to the company’s deficient organization; as such, under the secondary type of corporate criminal liability, the company is only subsidiarily charged because no one else within the company can be identified and prosecuted. In both cases, the monetary penalty is capped at CHF 5 million.

While this law poses many challenges and hurdles to overcome (e.g., narrow applicability, high legal threshold, dependent upon the underlying offense, practical difficulties from an evidentiary standpoint), it is also inadequate in tackling corporate crime to its full extent and ensuring corporate criminal accountability for the actual offense(s) committed.

Indeed, applied to the LAFARGE cases as seen in the U.S. and in France, this means that if a similar set of facts had fallen under the jurisdiction of the Swiss authorities, the corporation could not have been charged with and found criminally liable of financing terrorism per se , nor could it have been directly charged with complicity in crimes against humanity (a crime that is not included in the list of specific crimes triggering primary liability). At the very best, the criminal case in Switzerland for a primary liability offense such as terrorism financing would have revolved solely around the corporation’s internal organization and as to whether precautionary measures had been taken in order to prevent its members from engaging in criminal activities. In other words, if successfully prosecuted, the company would have been found – at most – guilty for its “defective organization” in relation to the committed offense(s), as opposed to guilty of the committed offense(s). As for the criminal case involving a secondary liability offense such as crimes against humanity, the corporation would unlikely have been charged at all if its internal organization had been deemed appropriate and had allowed for individual perpetrators to be identified.

While the number of corporate criminal liability investigations has increased in Switzerland, only a handful of cases have been tried and have effectively resulted in the conviction of corporations for defective organization linked to criminal offenses committed in the course of their commercial activities. As seen above, the legal arsenal in Switzerland is lacking when it comes to holding corporations criminally accountable for the actual offenses they commit and the criminal activities in which they participate. It is critical that criminal legislation in Switzerland be reinforced so as to meet and reflect the highest international standards, to prevent various forms of abuses and violations through harsher and more dissuasive sanctions, and to ensure that corporate impunity does not prevail.