Russia on Trial

In 31 judgments to date, the European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly found Russia responsible for serious abuses in Chechnya, including torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and failure to provide effective domestic remedies. Russia has not fulfilled its obligations to the Court because it has failed to carry out meaningful investigations and addressing the underlying causes of abuse.

Human Rights Watch urges the EU and EU member states to seize the unique opportunity provided by the European Court judgments to prevail on Russia to end widespread abuses in Chechnya and bring perpetrators to justice. Europe has a responsibility to make Russia's full compliance with the Court rulings a top priority in its relationship with Moscow, at every opportunity, including at the highest levels.