Project description:

In June 2022, сompany was contacted by the families of two British nationals who are members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who had been captured and sentenced to death by the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic in Russian-occupied Ukraine. 

Within 48 hours, the company secured interim measures from the European Court of Human Rights, with the Court requiring the Russian Federation to ensure that the death penalty imposed on the applicants not be carried out; to ensure appropriate conditions for detention; and to provide them with any necessary medical assistance. This resulted in extensive media attention and comments from the Russian authorities. 

Their clients were subsequently released in September 2022, and the company worked with them to submit full applications alleging breaches of Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (prohibition of torture), Article 6 (right to a fair trial), Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights. This involved taking extensive witness statements detailing their treatment at the hands of Russian-controlled authorities. 

The company is also working with our clients to bring civil claims in Ukraine against the Russian Federation as a result of the harm suffered. Further, the company is making representations to various governments and international bodies advocating for Russian assets and related fines to be used for the benefit of Ukrainian victims.

Partners:

Robinson Patman, Ukraine

Category: Peace

Company: Hogan Lovells

About the company: 

Hogan Lovells is an international law firm with a strong commitment to ensure access to justice and strengthening the rule of law. This project is run by individuals in our pro bono practice, through which we advise and support individuals and charities in matters involving domestic and international human rights law.