The case in which the government is challenging the European Union-imposed sanctions was finally heard at the General Court of the EU in Luxembourg last week.
BY OUR STAFF
The case sought to declare as null and void and effectively illegal, the EU’s restrictive measures initially imposed on 112 persons and 11 corporate entities associated with the government, as well as the ruling party.
In a statement last night, the ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services said the Zimbabwean legal team emphasised that the measures were illegal as only the Security Council of the United Nations had lawful power to impose sanctions on a member country.
“There is therefore no legal basis upon which the EU can continue to target persons and entities associated with the Government of Zimbabwe and or Zanu PF,” said the statement.
It said the oral hearing remains open for a period of two weeks in order to allow for the filing of further documents by all parties. The Zimbabwean case was argued by a team of international lawyers, led by David Vaughan and Maya Lester, of Brick Court chambers in London.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Prosecutor-General, Johannes Tomana and deputy chief secretary to the President and Cabinet, Ray Ndhlukula attended the hearing.
The EU has since relaxed the restrictive measures with President Robert Mugabe and First Lady, Grace being the only ones still on the sanctions list.
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