X & X v SSHD (2025)
Successful asylum appeal in a highly sensitive case, where the two high-profile appellants attracted national media attention in their country of origin.
Alex Chakmakjian has an established practice in human rights and public law, especially in the areas of immigration, asylum, and nationality. His experience in international human rights law, criminal law and regulatory work informs his focus on complex cases with overlapping issues. He is also qualified to accept instructions from members of the public directly.
Alex is regularly instructed on complex and challenging immigration and asylum cases. He has a particular interest in assisting vulnerable clients, children and those with mental health issues. His substantial experience in criminal law means that he has significant insight into issues arising from deportation matters. Alex’s expertise includes representing victims of trafficking, and he has established important precedent in that field DC (Trafficking, Protection/Human Rights appeals: Albania) [2019] UKUT 351 (IAC). Alex also has a depth of experience in statelessness, family life and EEA/EUSS cases. He is frequently asked to deal with judicial review matters on a broad range of immigration cases, and advises on student and business visas, as well as entry clearance.
International human rights law has regularly been the key focus of many cases that Alex has conducted in England and Wales. In addition, he has advised and worked on cases arising in foreign jurisdictions, ranging from mainland Europe to East Africa. Alex has assisted in cases challenging the death penalty, and has appeared as an advocate In a successful appeal before the Supreme Court of Uganda. In 2020 Alex advised the Ugandan Sentencing Committee on reform of criminal sentencing guidelines and amendments to a Bill revising the law on death and life sentences.
Successful asylum appeal in a highly sensitive case, where the two high-profile appellants attracted national media attention in their country of origin.
Instructed by anti-trafficking charity ATLEU to draft and argue UT Grounds challenging FtT refusal to adjourn and dismissal of appeal by unrepresented VoT. UT agreed error on Art.8 only and remitted to FtT.
Successful appeal relying on the determinative effect of mixed tenses when interpreting EUSS provisions on Zambrano. Para.45 includes observations that “may also assist in the event that other appellants seek to rely on this decision”.
Full judicial review on interpretation of Statelessness Rules and the relevance of the UN Convention on Statelessness. The SSHD has since amended the Rules to broadly reflect the position advanced on behalf of AZ.
Established guidance on the relevance of NRM decisions in immigration appeals.
advising, on a direct access basis, client with significant assets on the application of the European Convention on Human Rights to highly complex and contentious proceedings in Germany.
Supreme Court of Uganda– Granted special dispensation as foreign advocate to appear for two appellants, successfully arguing that the Court of Appeal had erred in imposing the death penalty and case sent back for reconsideration. Judicial panel included Chief Justice of Uganda.
Ugandan Court of Appeal – Written submissions to Court of Appeal (following remittal by Supreme Court). Sentences commuted from death to 20 years’ imprisonment. Case established the discretionary test for imposing the death penalty, applying international law principles.
The Immigration Group is delighted to welcome Alex Chakmakjian (call 2009) to No5 Barristers’ Chambers. Alex is an established barrister in immigration and international human…
The Immigration Group is delighted to welcome Alex Chakmakjian (call 2009) to No5 Barristers’ Chambers. Alex is an established barrister in immigration and international human…
