ECtHR finds lawsuit Georgia vs. Russia eligible

On December 19, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg found the Georgia's lawsuit against Russia, dealing with violation of a number of articles of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), committed during the August 2008 conflict and thereafter, eligible.

The lawsuit was filed on August 11, 2008; and in March 2009 it was transferred for response to the Russian government, which later presented its arguments in defence.

Tbilisi accuses Russia of breaking five articles of the ECHR: Articles 2 (right to life), 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment), 5 (right to freedom and security), 8 (right to protection of private and family life) and 13 (right to an effective remedy). Besides, Moscow is accused of breaching – during the warfare – of Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 to the Convention, which protects the right to property, Article 2 of the same Protocol (right to education), and Article 2 of Protocol No. 4, which protects the right of free movement.

Based on the materials presented by the Georgian government and oral hearings, held on this case on September 22, 2011, the ECtHR has announced the case eligible," the "News-Georgia" quotes the statement of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

The starting date for consideration of the lawsuit on the merits is unknown yet, the "Rus-press.ge" reports.