In Rostov Region, representatives of opposition file lawsuit to ECtHR

In the Rostov Region, Vladislav Ryazantsev and Pavel Nagibin, two representatives of the opposition, filed a lawsuit to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). In their lawsuit, they claim unlawful administrative detention, violation of the right to freedom of assembly and the right to freedom of expression, committed by the authorities.

Vladislav Ryazantsev, an activist of the "Left-Wing Front" Party, and Pavel Nagibin, an activist of The Other Russia, treat as unlawful the prohibition of the Rostov-on-Don authorities to hold a rally "For Fair Elections" on February 4, 2012. The activists estimated moral damages at 3000 euros.

On February 4, their event passed without incidents, and it was attended by up to 1000 persons; however, it was ended with detention of organizers. Vladislav Ryazantsev indicates that after that, in April 2012, he and Pavel Nagibin were fined 1000 roubles for organizing the unsanctioned rally.

"I did not appear in court, and I was fined in absentia. Pavel Nagibin defended himself in court; however, he was also fined. Pavel challenged the decision, and he did not succeed in that," Vladislav Ryazantsev stated.

According to him, they drew attention of the ECtHR to the fact that the prohibition of the march and rally was unlawful and it violated several articles of the European Convention.

Till present, no comments from the administration of Rostov-on-Don on the opposition claims are available.