Saudi businessman to challenge EU asset-freezing laws
A prominent Saudi Arabian businessman has launched a legal challenge against the European Union after his assets in Britain were frozen as part of US President George W Bush’s so-called “war on terrorism”.
Lawyers for Yassin Kadi announced that they plan to apply for an annulment of the EU’s asset-freezing laws at the European Court of Justice.
The Egyptian-born Arab’s financial assets were frozen after he was suspected of having links to Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network.
Mr Kadi is also challenging asset-freezing legislation in several other jurisdictions, including the United States.
In a statement released through his solicitors in Britain, Mr Kadi said that he has never had any link with any terrorist organisation of any kind.
“I am bringing my case before the courts as I believe that these are still the refuge of an innocent person seeking redress,” he said.
“I have suffered from outrageous allegations being made against me which have seriously affected my reputation, business and family.”
Mr Kadi is one of hundreds of individuals, organisations and charities who have had their assets frozen in most countries worldwide after Mr Bush told the world that “you are either with us, or against us”.
