Status: 02/02/2023 4:49 p.m
The European Court of Human Rights has sentenced Hungary in connection with the death of a refugee. Authorities failed to adequately protect the man’s life, the judges said.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ordered Hungary to pay 40,000 euros in damages in connection with the death of a refugee.
A Syrian had approached the court. He wanted to cross the Tisza River from Serbia to Hungary by boat in 2016, along with his brother and other refugees, including a family with three children. Smugglers had supported the refugees. The plaintiff stated that Hungarian border guards wanted to push them back to Serbia. They used tear gas and threw stones, and police dogs were released when he tried to go ashore. His brother drowned trying to swim back to the Serbian shore. Hungary denied this account.
right to live
The man alleged a violation of the right to life and that the authorities had not adequately investigated the case. The court has now partially agreed with him. The authorities had not adequately fulfilled their obligation to protect the life of the man. Hungary has to pay 34,000 euros in damages and 5,600 euros in legal costs.
The European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, is part of the Council of Europe. The bodies, which are independent of the EU, work to protect human rights in the 46 member states.