Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes with satisfaction the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the application filed by Georgia against the Russian Federation relating to the armed conflict of August 2008. The case concerned allegations by the Georgian government of administrative practices on the part of Russia that were in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Court has ruled that Russia is responsible for a number of violations of the Convention in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the so called “buffer zone” – where it exercised “effective control” from the ceasefire agreement until the official withdrawal of Russian troops (i.e. between 12 August and 10 October 2008). According to the Court, these breaches included e.g.: actions towards the prisoners of war that have to be regarded as acts of torture; illegal detentions of Georgian civilians and preventing them from returning to their homes; inadequate and ineffective investigation into the events occurring during the active phase of the hostilities as well as after the cessation of hostilities.

The judgment of the Court is final and subject to execution in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. We expect that the Russian side will fully comply with its obligations under this judgment and will present the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with information on actions taken and planned in accordance with deadlines and the procedure in force.

We also underline that Poland continuously supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

 

MFA Press Office