ECHR’s decision in Russia v. Ukraine case to be in writing – Sokorenko

The relevant statement was made by Commissioner for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Margarita Sokorenko in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague.

“In accordance with the press release of the ECHR, the decision is expected to be published on July 18, 2023 on the website, where all of its decisions in cases are posted. Hence, it will be in writing, unlike in previous interstate cases, where there was a public announcement. Generally, it is logical, taking into account the very history of Russia’s claim against Ukraine in the ECHR, and Russia’s refusal actually to cooperate with the court from March 2022,” Sokorenko told.

Regarding Ukraine’s chances in this case, Sokorenko noted that the decision would be pleasing.

In her words, the ECHR became more active in considering cases related to Russia, both individual and international.

In particular, this refers to the interstate cases, such as Ukraine v. Russia (re Crimea); Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia regarding violations of human rights in the temporarily occupied areas since Russian armed aggression started in February 2014 and since Russia’s full-scale invasion started on February 24, 2022. A number of important procedural steps will take place as soon as this autumn, Sokorenko said.

“Most importantly, the ECHR continues to consider cases even in the absence of any cooperation from Russia since March 2022. For this purpose, the court has adopted the appropriate algorithm of actions and follows it. This is an important signal to Russia and, generally, any state, which decides to defiantly and cynically violate international commitments, that responsibility cannot be avoided. Despite the fact that the wheels of international justice do not turn as fast as all Ukrainians would like them to, they are inevitably leading to the international legal responsibility of the Russian aggressor,” Sokorenko concluded.

A reminder that, on July 18, 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will announce a decision in the case of Russia versus Ukraine, where Russia is accusing Ukraine of the MH17 tragedy, because Ukraine did not close its airspace.

Russia also claims that Ukraine has allegedly engaged in ‘administrative practices’ of murder, kidnapping, forced relocation, interference with the right to vote, restrictions on the use of the Russian language, attacks on Russian embassies and consulates, and cutting off water supplies to Crimea.