When Sanctions Clash with Individual Rights: the UK Supreme Court Considers the Conflict Between Sanctions and Human Rights
8 minute read | August.07.2025
Alexander A. Witt
Senior Associate
Londres
Alexander represents multinational corporations and Sovereign States in complex, high-stakes investor-state and international commercial arbitrations under the main arbitral rules, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, LCIA, and ICC. Alexander has been particularly active in disputes arising out of long-term concession contracts in extractive industries (oil & gas and mining), public transportation, and broadcasting. Alexander has been ranked as Future Leader — Non-Partner in Arbitration in the 2025 and 2026 editions of Lexology Index.
Alexander has particular experience in investment claims arising out of regulatory changes to renewable energy incentive regimes and the enactment of environmental protection laws. He has represented investors, Latin American and Eastern European States in a variety of claims under domestic and international law, including high-profile and politically sensitive investment treaty cases (often involving issues of corruption).
In addition to his international arbitration experience, Alexander frequently advises clients on financial sanctions and export control issues across a range of sectors including oil & gas, infrastructure, and defence.
He is fluent in Spanish and has a good command of German. Alexander also speaks and writes on international arbitration related subjects.
Interests
- Outside of work, Alexander enjoys visiting museums and galleries. He is also an avid photographer (both 35 mm film and digital) and has a particular passion for music.
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Represented the 44 claimants in Fin.Doc. S.r.l. and others v Republic of Romania, ICSID Case No. ARB/20/35 for alleged violations of the ECT.
Successfully defended the Republic of Peru in Latam Hydro LLC and CH Mamacocha S.R.L. v. Republic of Peru, ICSID Case No. ARB/19/28. All claims were dismissed.
Successfully defended the Republic of Peru in a total dismissal of claims in Panamericana Televisión S.A. et al. v. Republic of Peru, PCA Case No. 2019-26. The value of the claims exceeded US$ 630 million.
Successfully defended the Republic of Chile in the total dismissal of all the claims in Carlos Mario Ríos and Francisco Javier Ríos v. Republic of Chile, ICSID Case No. ARB/17/16. The value of the claims exceeded US$340 million.
Represented Costa Rica in Infinito Gold Ltd. v. Republic of Costa Rica, ICSID Case No. ARB/14/5. The majority of the claims were dismissed, and Costa Rica was not ordered to pay damages.
ČEZ A.S. v. Republic of Bulgaria, ICSID Case No. ARB/16/24.
Enagás S.A. (España) and others v. Republic of Peru, ICSID Case No. ARB/18/26.
Odebrecht Latinvest S.à.r.l. v. Republic of Peru, ICSID Case No. ARB/20/4.
Represented the owner of three LNG vessels in a LMAA Arbitration and related s. 32 of the Arbitration Act 1996 proceedings concerning the validity of purchase option exercise notices.
Represented an Italian life sciences company in a dispute over the sale and purchase of a production facility in Italy. ICC Rules applied.
Represented a French wine maker in a shareholders' agreement dispute.
Represented a British oil & gas major in a dispute against a North American upstream oil and gas company in relation to a Block in the Gulf of Mexico. LCIA Rules applied.
Represented a US minority hedge fund partner in a complex dispute with the majority partners under several agreements under the laws of New York, Delaware, Cayman Islands and Connecticut in an arbitration under the ICDR Rules.
Represented a State in a dispute brought by an airline relating to the blockade of a Middle Eastern State.
Represented a State-owned entity in a €20 million dispute with a thermal power plant operator; in an arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules in a contract governed by Bulgarian law.
