ECtHR orders Russia to pay over than 1.1 million euros to residents of Chechnya-victims of artillery attack

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ordered Russia to pay 1.165 million euros to residents of Chechnya, figuring in the case "Abdulkhanov et al versus Russia", says the decision of the Court.

The case is about the shelling by Russian troops in February 2000 of the village of Aslanbek-Sheripovo in the Shatoy District of Chechnya, where 13 applicants live. Three of them were wounded by the shelling. Besides, 18 of their relatives were killed and several more injured.

The applicants complained to the ECtHR in May 2006, referring to Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). They claimed violations of their rights and rights of their relatives who were killed and injured, as well as the failure of the Russian authorities to conduct a proper investigation.

Let us note here that for the first time in a case concerning the conflict in Chechnya, Russian authorities have recognized facts of violence covered by Article 2 of the ECHR, and the use of force that led to deaths. However, the authorities noted that in those days the situation in Chechnya demanded extraordinary measures.