This judgment concerns a series of applications against Russia related to the suppression of solo demonstrations, specifically those held near the Kremlin. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found that Russia violated Article 10 of the Convention, which guarantees freedom of expression, due to disproportionate measures taken against solo demonstrators. The applicants were penalized for breaching bans on public events in the vicinity of the President’s residence. The ECtHR referenced its previous case-law, noting that similar issues had already been examined and violations found. The Court also addressed other complaints raised by some applicants, finding additional violations related to unlawful detention, lack of impartiality in proceedings, and the lack of suspensive effect of appeals against administrative detention. Finally, the Court awarded the applicants sums ranging from EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,800 in respect of pecuniary and non-pecuniary damage.
The judgment is structured as follows: It begins with the procedure, outlining the case’s origin and notification to the Russian Government. It then presents the facts, including a list of applicants and details of their applications. The legal analysis includes the joinder of the applications, jurisdiction, alleged violation of Article 10, other alleged violations under well-established case-law, remaining complaints, and the application of Article 41 regarding just satisfaction. The judgment references previous case-law, such as *Nemytov and Others v. Russia*, *Novikova and Others v. Russia*, and *Lashmankin and Others v. Russia*, to support its findings. It also cites cases like *Butkevich v. Russia*, *Tsvetkova and Others v. Russia*, *Korneyeva v. Russia*, *Karelin v. Russia*, and *Martynyuk v. Russia* for the additional violations found.
The most important provision of this decision is the reaffirmation that measures against solo demonstrators in Russia, particularly near the Kremlin, were disproportionate and violated Article 10 of the Convention. **** This has implications for how freedom of expression is handled in Russia, especially concerning protests and public assemblies. The judgment also highlights systemic issues within the Russian legal system, such as unlawful detention practices, lack of impartiality in administrative offense proceedings, and the absence of suspensive effect for appeals against administrative detention, all of which constitute violations of the Convention.
