The ECHR communicated the complaint of the coordinator of Navalny’s headquarters in Krasnodar

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) communicated the complaint of the coordinator of Alexei Navalny's headquarters in Krasnodar, Dmitry (Miroslav) Valkovich. He was detained at a protest on March 26, 2017 and later arrested for 10 days. This was reported to OVD-Info by the lawyer of the International Human Rights Group "Agora" Alexander Popkov.

The ECtHR has asked Russia a number of questions and expects answers by May 4, 2018. The ECtHR asks whether the applicant was provided with effective remedies and notes that Valkovich's complaint about the unlawfulness of the refusal to approve the action was considered after the action itself.

In addition, the court asks about a fair trial: whether the principles of equality of arms, competition and impartiality were not violated, whether the applicant had the opportunity to provide additional evidence, and whether he was duly notified of the appeal hearing on his arrest for 10 days.

“The ECHR pays special attention to the detentions of the organizers of public events and singles them out, possibly in order to subsequently form one case and formulate a unified position,” says lawyer Alexander Popkov.

In an application to the European Court, Valkovich complains about the violation of his right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association (Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms).

On March 15, 2017, Valkovich sent a notification about a rally against corruption on March 26. The administration refused to approve the action, Valkovich appealed this decision to the court.

On March 23, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent Valkovich "a warning about the prevention of extremist activities during mass actions."

During the action on March 26, unknown people threw a smoke bomb at Valkovich's feet, he asked the police to detain the provocateurs, but he himself was detained.

The Pervomaisky District Court of Krasnodar found Valkovich guilty of violating the rules for organizing the action (Part 1 of Article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) and arrested him for 10 days . On April 6, the Krasnodar Regional Court recognized this decision as legal.

On April 7, the Pervomaisky District Court of Krasnodar dismissed Valkovich's claim against the administration, and on June 22, the Krasnodar Regional Court upheld this court decision.