Detention as a means of silencing human rights defenders: The case of Osman Kavala

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Osman Kavala is a Turkish philanthropist and human rights defender who has contributed to the establishment of numerous NGOs in Turkey since the 1990s. These organisations currently operate in human rights, cultural and social studies, historical reconciliation and environmental protection.

EIN is providing advice concerning the implementation process and the drafting of submissions to a number of NGOs working on Mr Kavala’s case. EIN campaigns for the immediate release of Mr Kavala and the implementation of the judgment in all of its forms.

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Access to Legal Abortion: P. and S. v. Poland 

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The Court found that, even though abortion was legal under Polish law, the victim’s access to abortion was hampered because the authorities did not comply with their obligations to enforce it in practical terms.

It has been 7 years since the judgment was made final and practical, as well as legal, deficits remain outstanding as made clear by NGOs closely following the status of implementation.

Despite a CM decision dating back to September 2018 that calls on the authorities to adopt a viable system for effective access to legal abortion, authorities are yet to put in place tangible measures to address systemic barriers and the lack of remedial and enforcement mechanisms in case of a lack of access to legal reproductive health services.

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Degrading Treatment of Migrants in Detention: M.S.S. v. Greece

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Degrading Treatment of Migrants in Detention: M.S.S. v. Greece

Mr M.S.S, an Afghan national, fled war-torn Kabul in early 2008 fearing for his life due to his service as an interpreter for international air force troops based in Kabul.

Upon his arrival to Greece, the authorities detained him in a limited-occupancy building where he could use the toilets only when allowed by the guards, was provided very little to eat, and slept on a dirty mattress or on the floor.

The European Court of Human Rights held that harsh detention conditions in Greece - such as overcrowding, insufficient ventilation, lack of regular access to toilets or sanitary facilities, and inadequate food - had been inhuman and degrading.

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Unlawful Detention of Asylum Seekers and Irregular Migrants: S.D. v. Greece

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Unlawful Detention of Asylum Seekers and Irregular Migrants: S.D. v. Greece

S.D. is a Turkish national who had been arrested and tortured by the Turkish authorities due to his journalistic activities and political views, before fleeing the country and entering Greece irregularly.

The Court found that S.D.’s treatment in detention had been inhuman and degrading.

The Committee of Ministers examines S.D. v. Greece along with no fewer than 30 judgments brought against Greece which concern the wrongful detention of asylum seekers, failure to provide clear information, the possibility of challenging the legality of detention itself and conditions of detention.

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