Essence of the decision:
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) examined six joint applications against Ukraine concerning inadequate detention conditions and lack of effective remedies. The Court found violations of Articles 3 and 13 of the Convention regarding poor detention conditions and absence of effective domestic remedies. The applicants were awarded compensation ranging from 5,000 to 9,800 euros.
Structure and main provisions:
1. The Court joined six separate applications due to similar subject matter.
2. The main violations concerned:
– Inadequate conditions of detention (overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of fresh air, insufficient lighting)
– Absence of effective remedies in domestic law
– In one case (No. 12818/24), additional violations of Article 5 regarding excessive pre-trial detention
3. The Court referenced its previous decisions in Melnik v. Ukraine and Sukachov v. Ukraine as precedents.
Key important provisions:
1. The Court reaffirmed that serious lack of space in prison cells is a crucial factor in determining whether detention conditions are “degrading” under Article 3.
2. Specific standards of proof were outlined: governments must provide primary evidence including cell floor plans and actual number of inmates.
3. The Court established specific compensation amounts for each applicant based on the duration and severity of violations.
4. The decision reinforces the requirement for Ukraine to provide adequate detention conditions and effective remedies for complaints about such conditions.
5. The judgment sets clear standards for evidence that authorities must provide to justify detention conditions, including documentation of air quality, food, water quality, pest control, and other facilities.
