Appeal document
The original document can be viewed on the BAILLI web site
here.
Introduction
- This is the judgment of the court. It is given in relation to appeals arising from two orders made by Mr Justice Peter Smith following a long and unusual trial conducted between 31 October 2006 and 27 February 2007. By the proceedings the Attorney General of Zambia, on behalf of the Republic of Zambia, sought to establish civil liability on the part of up to twenty individuals and companies, to make good losses suffered by Zambia as a result of corrupt practices during the term of office of the former President, Dr Frederick Chiluba. The present appeals are by two of the defendants, partners in the firm of solicitors, Meer Care & Desai, Mr Meer and Mr Desai. The judge's principal judgment is at [2007] EWHC 952 (Ch). All our references to the judgment are to that judgment, and references to paragraph numbers, unless otherwise stated, are to paragraphs in that judgment.
- Because this judgment is, necessarily but regrettably, very long, we will begin by stating the outcome of the appeals. This is that Mr Meer's appeal is allowed, the orders against him and against the firm (and therefore against Mr Desai) set aside, and the claims against them dismissed.