Kasparov takes Russia to Strasbourg

Lawyer for the leader of the United Civil Front Garry Kasparov detained in Moscow during the “March of those in dissent” [Marsh niesoglashnykh”] has filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights. Karina Moskalenko who is representing Kasparov, announced on Thursday that they are claiming a violation of freedom of expression.

“The application has only just been registered”, she said. “In it, we point to violations of a number of articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.”

Ms Moskalenko says that ten other people have added their names to the application, and thinks that this number will probably rise. The specific violations claimed are of Articles 6 (the right to a fair trial). , 10 (freedom of expression),  11 (freedom of assembly and association) and 18 (Limitation on use of restrictions on rights).

Garry Kasparov was arrested by police on 14 April at a rally in the centre of Moscow. Administrative proceedings were launched against him under Article 200.2 of the Code of Administrative Offences (violation of rules of procedure for organizing or holding a gathering, rally, demonstration, procession or picket).

The court fined him one thousand roubles for chanting anti-Government slogans.