Press | Tribune de Genève Spotlights FARLEGAL’s Murder Case
October 7, 2024

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.

Press Coverage: Global Arbitration Review Reports on Swiss Supreme Court Rulings in US$211 Billion Treaty Dispute

By Shayan Farhad • September 7, 2026
Global Arbitration Review (GAR) recently reported on two decisions by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court concerning a US$211 billion investment treaty claim against the Commonwealth of Australia . Shayan Farhad acted as legal counsel to the claimant, Singapore-registered holding company Zeph Investments Pte. Ltd. , in the Swiss set-aside and revision proceedings. The Scale of the Dispute Unprecedented Claims: The underlying UNCITRAL arbitration involved a claim valued at US$211 billion (A$300 billion) brought under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) regarding the Balmoral South iron ore project in Western Australia. Interrelated Multi-Billion Dollar Arbitrations: The challenge forms part of a broader series of four treaty claims seeking over US$290 billion in total damages relating to major energy and mining developments. Prominent Arbitral Tribunal: The underlying Geneva-seated award was issued by a tribunal chaired by Swiss arbitrator Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, together with William Kirtley and Donald McRae. Key Issues Before the Swiss Supreme Court Representing Zeph Investments before Switzerland's highest judicial authority, Shayan Farhad advanced arguments addressing complex questions of public international law and Swiss arbitration civil procedure: Interpretation of Investment Treaties: The Court reviewed the tribunal's interpretation of "covered investment" and "contribution" requirements under the AANZFTA, specifically regarding share swaps, corporate restructurings, and management actions. Procedural Safeguards & Review: The applications raised critical questions concerning arbitrator time commitment, independence and impartiality standards, and procedural rights under Swiss arbitration law. While the Swiss Federal Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the set-aside and revision applications and upheld the jurisdictional award, the litigation represents one of the largest and most complex investment treaty disputes ever brought before the Swiss courts. Demonstrating High-Stakes Cross-Border Expertise Handling challenges of this magnitude before the highest judicial authority in Switzerland highlights Shayan Farhad and FARLEGAL's core mission: providing boutique, high-caliber legal representation in complex, ultra-high-stakes international disputes. The full articles can be accessed on the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) platform: Mining magnate fails to revive mega-claim against Australia More light on mining investor’s failure to revive mega-claim - Global Arbitration Review

Article | Tariq Ramadan & Entraide Pénale

April 7, 2026
À l'occasion de la condamnation par défaut de Tariq Ramadan par la justice française, Le Matin Dimanche a sollicité Me Shayan Farhad en qualité d'experte en entraide internationale en matière pénale pour analyser les instruments juridiques applicables.