European Court of Human Rights Finds Russia Guilty of Human Rights Violations in Transnistria
The European Court of Human Rights has taken a significant step in addressing human rights violations in the unrecognized region of Transnistria.
In its rulings on four separate cases, the court held Russia accountable for systematic violations against residents of the region, including unlawful detention, cruel treatment, violations of fair trial rights, and infringements on free movement and freedom of expression.
All four cases confirmed that Russia bears responsibility for these serious violations, which predominantly affected civilians on the left bank of the Dniester River.
Notably, Moldova was not found responsible for these violations; however, the rulings underscore the urgent need for measures to protect human rights in this fragile and vulnerable region.
The court ordered Russia to pay over 100,000 euros in damages to the victims for moral harm and legal expenses.
This decision marks another milestone in international legal efforts to hold Moscow accountable for human rights breaches and signifies that Russia remains liable under the court’s jurisdiction despite its withdrawal from the Council of Europe in March 2022 and its subsequent denial of ECtHR rulings.
The jurisdiction of the Court continues to apply to cases submitted before Russia’s expulsion, emphasizing the ongoing importance of international justice in safeguarding human rights in the region.