Ganna Yudkivska, the judge of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) from Ukraine, has announced the date of consideration of the first intergovernmental case on Ukraine's complaint against the Russian Federation.
The Ukraine vs Russia case into the massive violations of human rights in Crimea during the annexation period is ready for consideration, the judge told European Pravda.
According to Judge Yudkivska, two hearings are to be held. Only one of them will be an open hearing; its date has already been determined. "The hearing will take place on February 27, 2019," the judge said.
"The procedure is as follows: the ECHR communicates with the governments of both states, after that the case is reviewed – these are initial hearings. Later, the Grand Chamber forms a preliminary conclusion whether there has been a violation or not. Then goes the process of drafting a ruling and the Grand Chamber convenes for the second hearing, where they consider the draft ruling and finally vote," Judge Yudkivska said.
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According to the ECHR practice, nearly a year passes between the first hearing and the handing down of a ruling. The judge believes this case will not be an exception.
"We can expect a court decision in this case will be handed down in a year, at least on admissibility and merits. But the issue of compensation is likely to be postponed," she said.
The Crimea case concerns the events that preceded the annexation, as well as happened immediately after it, namely alleged violations of human rights in Crimea.
Ukraine accuses Russia of violating key rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to life, the rules prohibiting torture, unlawful imprisonment, abduction, violations of freedom of speech, etc.
