On Monday, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) unveiled a summary detailing inter-state cases alleging that Russia has violated the European Convention on Human Rights amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Four key cases are under review, encompassing claims related to human rights violations during Russia’s annexation of Crimea, military actions in Eastern Ukraine, alleged systematic assassination attempts on Ukrainian officials, and a demand for medical aid for injured Ukrainian sailors.
In the case linked to Crimea’s annexation, the ECHR found Russia culpable of infringing on the right to a fair trial and due process. This was marked by the imposition of Russian law, arbitrary arrests, and significant police brutality. Furthermore, the court identified breaches of freedoms of assembly, religion, and speech, as well as targeting of ethnic minorities and political dissidents through vague anti-LGBTQ+ laws, police raids, and violence. Additional rights infringements included limitations on free movement, property protection, and education, with the court now deliberating potential damages.
The proceedings regarding Russia’s military initiatives in Ukraine and the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 are also progressing. A hearing held on June 12, 2024, centred on the court’s jurisdiction, yet no ruling on the substantive legal claims has emerged. Central to this case is whether the ECHR possesses authority to adjudicate issues related to military offensives—echoing similar concerns raised in the Crimea case.
Moreover, a staggering 9,264 individual applications are rooted in the alleged rights violations from both aforementioned cases, eagerly awaiting the ECHR’s decision on military jurisdiction, which will significantly influence the validity of these individual claims. Two additional inter-state cases remain pending, including one filed by Russia against Ukraine in 2021, alleging human rights breaches towards ethnic Russians, which was dismissed by the ECHR in 2023.
The ECHR has summarised ongoing cases against Russia for alleged human rights abuses during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including violations in Crimea, military operations, and the downing of MH17. Significant findings include breaches of fair trial rights, freedoms of assembly and expression, and police violence. As numerous individual claims await jurisdiction clarification, the stakes for justice remain incredibly high.
The ECHR’s recent summary highlights numerous serious allegations against Russia regarding human rights violations linked to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The findings related to Crimea reveal multiple infringements including restrictions on basic liberties and police brutality. As the court continues to navigate jurisdiction issues over military actions, the implications of these rulings could resonate deeply, affecting thousands of claims waiting for justice.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
