Case Summary

Mr. Mohammad Karimi, an Iranian PhD student living in Germany, discovered in 2021 that his bank account at one of Germany's major banks had been closed without any prior warning. The bank provided no clear explanation and only referred to "internal policies."

Mohammad, who had all his savings in this account and depended on it for his studies and living, decided to take legal action against this unfair decision with the help of IFAFD.

Details of the Court's Ruling

The European Court of Justice highlighted important points in its ruling:

• Right to Access Banking Services: Access to banking services is a fundamental right that should not be restricted for discriminatory reasons.
• Transparency in Decision-Making: Banks are required to provide clear and documented reasons for closing accounts.
• Right to Appeal: Customers must have sufficient opportunity to appeal and defend themselves.
• Compensation: If discrimination is proven, banks must compensate for damages.

Impact on Future Cases

This ruling represents major progress for the Iranian community and other immigrant minorities in Europe. According to IFAFD statistics, there are over 3,500 similar cases in various European countries that can now cite this ruling.

Next Steps for Discrimination Victims

If you have also been a victim of banking discrimination, take the following actions:

Conclusion

This historic ruling by the European Court of Justice is a turning point in the fight against financial discrimination. It shows that the rights of European citizens, regardless of their nationality or origin, must be respected. IFAFD is committed to supporting all victims of banking discrimination and fighting for their rights.