The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found Russia responsible for violations of the European Convention on Human Rights in a case concerning Georgian servicemen killed during the 2008 Georgia–Russia war.
The ruling, issued on June 23 in Strasbourg, relates to the case Malachini and others v. Russia and examines allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings of Georgian prisoners of war during the conflict.
The court found that Russia violated Article 2 (right to life) and Article 3 (prohibition of torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights, both in substantive and procedural aspects.
It concluded that several Georgian servicemen, including Ushangi Sopromadze, Kakhaber Khubuluri, and Giorgi Antsukhelidze, died while in custody, and that others were subjected to torture.
The applicants in the case were represented by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association.
The court said evidence showed Georgian prisoners of war were tortured and killed by forces linked to the de facto authorities in Tskhinvali and Russian military units. It added that despite the conditions of active hostilities, Russia exercised effective control over the territory and was therefore responsible under the Convention.
The ruling orders Russia to pay compensation for non-material damages within three months once the judgment becomes final, including €65,000 to the families of Sopromadze, Khubuluri and Antsukhelidze, and €40,000 to each of the remaining applicants.
The court also notes that if payment is delayed, interest will be applied.
