Hossein Zahir KC

Year of Call: 2005, 1998 (Solicitor) | Year of Silk: 2019

"Hoss is an exceptional advocate, legal thinker, strategist and, most importantly, a true fighter who never gives up."

Legal 500, 2024

“He is a really effective advocate. He has a way of addressing a jury horizontally - neither speaking up to them nor talking down to them."

Chambers UK, 2024

"Tough, hard-working, charismatic and talented."

Chambers UK, 2023

"He leaves no stone unturned and is fearless in the defence of his client."

Chambers UK, 2022 (Crime)

"His preparation, client care and dedication to a case is nothing but outstanding."

Legal 500, 2022 (Crime)

"A thorough advocate who works incredibly hard and is impressive in court. He totally enthrals juries and is very skilled at challenging prosecution evidence."

Chambers UK, 2021 (Crime)

Contact

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Legal 500 2023: Leading Silk
Legal 500 2023: Leading Silk

Hossein Zahir specialises in criminal defence work. He has represented defendants charged with murder, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering and other serious crimes. He has a particular interest in terrorism and public order and protest cases.

Hossein is ranked for criminal law in Chambers UK 2019 (Band 4). He is ranked for criminal law in Legal 500 UK 2019 (Tier 2).

Criminal Defence

Overview

Hossein Zahir has acted as lead defence counsel in some of the most high-profile criminal and terrorist trials in recent times. He is recognised as a leading individual in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. He is a member of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team, winners of the Legal 500 Crime Team of the Year 2015.

Hossein specialises in criminal defence work. Formerly as a solicitor and now as a barrister he has represented defendants charged with murder, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering and other serious crimes. He has particular experience in terrorism as well as public order and protest cases.

Prior to coming to the law Hossein worked for the Newham Monitoring Project, a community organisation in East London committed to supporting and campaigning on behalf of the victims of racial harassment.

Notable Cases

Murder

R v Al Shihabi (2022) - Woolwich Crown Court
Defendant charged with murder following a single stab to the chest. He was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter.

R v Adams (2022) – Birmingham Crown Court
Defendant charged with murder together with 3 others following a shooting. He was the only defendant to be acquitted on all counts. 

R v Padley (2021/ 2022) – Loughborough (‘super court’)
Represented the second defendant on a 9 handed indictment charging robbery, conspiracy to commit GBH and murder in the course of a ‘county lines’ drug feud

R v Khan (2021) – Reading Crown Court
Represented the first defendant on an 8 handed indictment charging murder in the course of an organised fight. 

R v Carter Fraser (2021) – Central Criminal Court
A vulnerable defendant acquitted of murder. He was alleged to be part of a team responsible for shooting an innocent member of the public mistakenly targeted as part of a gang feud.

R v Sohal (2021) - Croydon Crown Court
Defendant charged with murder following gang fight.

R v Dempster (2020) - Central Criminal Court
Rape and murder in the course of a burglary.

R v Mahmood (2020) - Reading Crown Court
A ‘cut throat’ case with defendant acquitted of murder at retrial and co-defendant convicted after the first trial.

R v Bramble (2020) - Central Criminal Court
Defendant charged with murder unfit to plead with trial of the issue.

R v Balachandran (2017) - Luton Crown Court
Represented first defendant. Multi-handed murder with 'cut throat' defences.

Terrorism

R v Rashid (2021) – Woolwich Crown Court
Defendant charged with terrorist offences arising out of the conflict in Syria

R v Aristidou (2021) – Central Criminal Court
Defendant charged with terrorism offences arising out of the Syrian conflict. The case involved complex jurisdictional issues.

R v Chapra (2021) – Kingston Crown Court
Defendant charged with terrorism offences related to the dissemination of terrorist publications

R v Safaa Boular (2018) - Central Criminal Court
Represented Safaa Boular the youngest female ISIS supporter (her sister and mother were convicted of separate plots) convicted of two charges relating plans to carry out attacks in Syria and the UK. Complex issues of disclosure engaged as well as the role of MI5.

R v Nadeem Patel (2018) - Central Criminal Court
Leading counsel for defendant charged with firearms offences jointly with Umar Haque (in turn charge with grooming children and planning UK attacks). The only defendant of four acquitted.

R v Tadesse Kersmo (2017) - Snaresbrook Crown Court
Leading counsel representing senior member of democratic Ethiopian opposition group charged with terrorism, offences. This case involved detailed expert evidence on the geo politics of the region. Defendant acquitted on all charges.

R v Ayfer Yildiz (2017) - Central Criminal Court
Represented the defendant was accused of disseminating terrorist publications, namely Turkish communist magazines. The defendant was acquitted on all charges.

R v Pervez Rafiq (2016) - Central Criminal Court
Leading counsel for Mr Rafiq who was charged with terrorism fundraising by organising aid convoys to Syria. The defendant included the use of evidence from MI5. The defendant was acquitted on all charges.

R v Tarik Hassane (2016) - Central Criminal Court
Represented Tark Hassane in relation to allegations of planning to shoot a soldier or policeman in support of ISIS. The plot had progressed to the stage where a weapon and ammunition had been purchased.

R v Iqbal & others (2013) - Woolwich Crown Court
Represented Mohammed Ahmed who pleaded guilty to engaging in preparatory terrorist conduct.

R v Irfan Naseer (2013) - Woolwich Crown Court
Represented Bahader Ali, Mohammed Rizwan and Mujahid Hussain on guilty pleas in relation to allegations of acts preparatory to acts of terrorism and terrorist fund raising.

R v Khan & others (2013) - Woolwich Crown Court
Represented O Khan who pleaded guilty to engaging in preparatory terrorist conduct, namely an armed attack on an English Defence League rally in Dewsbury.

R v DD (2013) - Central Criminal Court
Represented DD charged with breaching a Terrorism Prevention Investigation Measure (TPIM).

R v Begum (2012) - Central Criminal Court
Defendant charged with possessing terrorist documents/ publication.

R v Chowdhury & others (2012) - Woolwich Crown Court
Represented O Latif who pleaded guilty to engaging in preparatory terrorist conduct.

R v Shanthan (2009) - Kingston Crown Court
Represented Shanthan in a trial of alleged members of the proscribed organisation LTTE (Tamil Tigers) and providing support for that organisation.

R v Saleem (2008) - Kingston Crown Court
Trial of former members of the Islamist group Al Muhajiroun. Represented Abdul Saleem accused of inciting terrorism and fundraising.

R v Ahmed Ali and others (2008) - Woolwich Crown Court
The "Heathrow bomb plot" or Operation Overt - represented Mohammed Gulzar.

R v Baluch and Marri (2008) - Woolwich Crown Court
Represented Faiz Baluch who successfully raised the defence of self-defence to allegations of inciting terrorist murder overseas and involvement with a terrorist group operating in Baluchistan, Pakistan.

R v Khyam & Others (2006-2007) - Central Criminal Court
Operation Crevice "fertiliser bomb plot" trial - Represented Anthony Garcia

Other cases

R v Taylor (2020) - Snaresbrook Crown Court
One punch manslaughter with defendant acquitted.

R v Dixon and others (2018) - Wood Green Crown Court
Leading counsel for juvenile defendant charged with firearm conspiracies with his mother and older brother.

R v N Rashid (2016) - Sheffield Crown Court
Represented defendant charged with 11 others after a large-scale violent disorder following a counter protest against 'Britain First' and far right protestors. All defendants acquitted on grounds of self-defence.

R v M Ali (2015) - Central Criminal Court
Represented defendant MA was charged with possessing a chemical weapon (ricin). He relied upon the statutory defence of 'peaceful purpose' (not previously argued). MA convicted.

R v Eroglu (2012) - Central Criminal Court
Represented defendant charged with arson by throwing petrol bombs into a cafe used by political opponents.

R v Iqbal (2012) - Liverpool Crown Court
Represented defendant in relation to complicated allegation of fraud linked to dental practice.

R v Rollins (2011) - Blackfriars Crown Court
Represented defendant charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder as part of an anti-fascist protest.

R v Woollard (2011) - Southwark Crown Court
Represented a student who threw a fire extinguisher from a rooftop during protest.

Contact Hossein

Criminal Appeals

R v Ahmed [2018] EWCA Crim 133
Attorney Generals reference of first instance sentence in this terrorist case. Sentence unchanged.

R v Golamaully [2017] EWCA Crim 898
Successful sentence appeal in terrorist fundraising case.

R v El-Gurbozi [2016] EWCA Crim 1172
Successful sentence appeal for complex car theft conspiracy

R v Ali [2016] EWCA Crim 864
Sentence and conviction appeal for possession/ purchase of chemical weapon.

Secretary of State for the Home Dept v (1) EC (2) EG (2017) [2017] EWHC 795 (Admin)
Appeal against the imposition of a Terrorism Prevention and Information Measure appeal

R v Dart & 4 Ors (2014) [2014] EWCA Crim 2158
Led for the applicant Ahmed and alone for the applicant Hussain. Conjoined terrorism sentence appeal. Sentence reduced for Hussain.

R v Usman Khan [2013] EWCA Crim 468
Consideration of dangerousness in terrorist cases.

R v Wassab Khan [2013] EWCA Crim 1345
Consideration of the test to be applied on submission of no case to answer.

R v Abdul Rehman Saleem & Ors [2009] EWCA Crim 920
Sentences reduced on appeal for terrorist convictions.

R v Omar Khyam & Ors [2008] EWCA Crim 1612
Appeal against conviction and sentence.

Ayliffe, Swain and Percy v DPP [2005] EWHC 684 (Admin)
Appeal by way of case stated on the question of lawful activity in aggravated trespass the appellants claiming the activity they disrupted was unlawful as it was in pursuance of the Iraq war. Hossein was the instructing solicitor.

R v Saddiqui [2003] EWCA Crim 1191
Appeal against sentence in relation to the Burnley disorders. The court clarified the approach to violent disorder arising from the appellants' lawful presence in the streets in defence of their community.

Percy v DPP [2001] EWHC Admin 1125
Appeal by way of case stated on protest, freedom of expression and Article 10 ECHR. Hossein was the instructing solicitor.

Contact Hossein

Notable Cases & News

Garden Court Chambers and Garden Court North remember Ian Macdonald QC

Garden Court Chambers and Garden Court North were honoured to host a memorial event for Ian Macdonald QC 1939-2019 at Middle Temple Hall on Tuesday 7 February 2023.

17 February 2023

Garden Court secures top tier rankings in the Legal 500 2023

Garden Court Chambers is proud to be recognised as a Top Tier set again in the Legal 500.

30 September 2022

Members of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team support escalating proposed CBA action to include days of action

17 June 2022

Stephanie Harrison QC, Chair and Joint Head of Garden Court Chambers, comments on the Nationality and Borders Bill receiving Royal Assent

29 April 2022

Garden Court Crime Team statement on no returns action

30 March 2022

Garden Court secures number one rankings in Chambers UK Bar Guide 2022

21 October 2021

Garden Court Chambers Crime Team shortlisted for Crime Set of the Year by Chambers Bar Awards 2021

We are delighted to announce that the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team has been shortlisted by the Chambers Bar Awards 2021 for Crime Set of the Year.

27 August 2021

Nineteen-year-old found not guilty of murder and manslaughter at Reading Crown Court

Hossein Zahir QC led Alex Rose, both of the Garden Court Criminal Defence Team, instructed by Mohammed Zeb and Nawal Asskoumi of Stuart Miller Solicitors.

11 November 2020

Keir Monteith, David Emanuel and Hossein Zahir to be appointed Queen's Counsel

On 11 March 2019, the Lord Chancellor will preside over the appointment ceremony where he will formally bestow the title of QC.

11 January 2019

Final two members of the 'Rotherham 12' acquitted

The final two members of the 'Rotherham 12' were acquitted today following legal argument by Tom Wainwright.

13 February 2018

Prominent Ethiopian opposition campaigner acquitted of terrorism offences

Hossein Zahir and Russell Fraser of Garden Court Chambers represented the defendant, Dr Tadesse Kersmo.

21 December 2017

Charity worker cleared of funding terrorism

Pervez Rafiq was represented by Hossein Zahir and Vikki Kerly of Garden Court's Crime Team.

23 December 2016

Ten Asian men cleared of violent disorder against far-right extremists

Nick Wrack, Tom Wainwright and Hossein Zahir represented three of the men.

16 November 2016

Haseeb Hamayoon cleared of Remembrance Day plot

Haseeb Hamayoon was represented by Hossein Zahir of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team.

17 June 2016

Suhaib Majeed and Tarik Hassane on trial at the Central Criminal Court for terrorism offences

The defendants are represented by Ali Bajwa QC and Hossein Zahir of Garden Court Chambers' Crime Team.

19 January 2016

Chambers UK Bar Guide ranks Garden Court in Band 1

Garden Court Chambers recognised as a leading set for immigration, social housing, civil liberties, police law, Court of Protection, crime and inquests and public inquiries.

30 October 2015

Garden Court wins Legal 500 crime set of the year award

The winners in these awards are chosen by the Legal 500 as a result of thousands of interviews with firms, sets and counsel.

8 October 2015

Henry Blaxland QC, Hossein Zahir and Beth O’Reilly represent Imran Khawaja at Woolwich Crown Court

Judge hands down 12-year custodial sentence in Syria-related terrorism case.

6 February 2015

Case against NHS doctor accused of Syrian kidnap collapses

The trial against Shajul Islam, an NHS doctor accused of kidnapping a British photographer in Syria, has been dropped. He was represented by Henry Blaxland QC and Hossein Zahir.

11 November 2013

Garden Court Chambers ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK 2014

We are once again delighted to have been ranked as a leading set by Chambers and Partners in the Chambers UK 2014 directory.

31 October 2013

Garden Court Crime Team members defend EDL bomb plotters

Rajiv Menon QC, Pete Weatherby QC, Hossein Zahir, Terry Munyard and Anna Morris have acted to defend five of the six men accused of plotting to bomb a rally staged by the far right English Defence League.

11 June 2013

Henry Blaxland QC, Rajiv Menon QC, Terry Munyard, Anna Morris and Hossein Zahir in terrorism cases

Henry Blaxland QC, Rajiv Menon QC and Hossein Zahir appeared for defendants doing acts in preparation of terrorism.

30 April 2013

All related news

Background

In the early 1990s Hossein spent a number of years working for the Newham Monitoring Project, an anti-racist campaigning organisation that provides legal advice and practical support to victims of racial violence and harassment in east London.

He qualified as a solicitor in 1998 having completed his training at Bindman and Partners solicitors. He then moved to Hickman and Rose solicitors where he qualified as a court and police station duty solicitor. In 2000 he moved to Birnberg Peirce and Partners solicitors where he qualified as a Higher Courts Advocate in 2003. He transferred to the Bar in 2005.

Education

  • BSc (Hons)
  • CPE
  • LPC

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