This judgment concerns multiple applications against Ukraine regarding inadequate conditions of detention and lack of effective remedies. The Court examined 16 applications jointly due to their similar subject matter. The Court found violations of Articles 3 and 13 of the Convention concerning poor detention conditions and lack of effective remedies. The specific violations included overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food and water quality, insufficient access to showers, and other substandard conditions in various Ukrainian detention facilities. The Court awarded compensation ranging from 3,100 to 9,800 euros per applicant for non-pecuniary damage, plus additional amounts for costs and expenses in some cases.
Key provisions:
- The Court reaffirmed that serious lack of space in prison cells is a major factor in determining whether detention conditions are ‘degrading’ under Article 3
- The Court applied its established standards regarding proof and assessment of evidence in detention conditions cases
- The judgment confirms previous findings in cases like Melnik v. Ukraine and Sukachov v. Ukraine regarding similar violations
- Some applications also included successful claims regarding excessive length of pre-trial detention and criminal proceedings
Most important aspects:
- The systematic nature of poor detention conditions across multiple facilities in Ukraine
- The continuing absence of effective domestic remedies for such violations
- The Court’s detailed assessment of specific space requirements and other material conditions of detention
- The establishment of clear compensation amounts for various types of violations
