Published: 20 Dec 2016 | By Aigerim Kamidola
Berdzenishvili and others & Dzidzava v Russia
Case Summary
Case Nos. 14594/07 et al., & 16363/07
Judgment date: 20 December 2016
In Berdzenishvili, the applicants were 20 Georgian nationals who had resided in Russia for up to fourteen years. Many had valid residency and work permits. Following a serious breakdown in diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia in 2006, they were subjected to identity checks, arrested, detained in appalling conditions and expelled en masse from Russia. In Dzidzava, the applicant’s husband, Tengiz Togonidze – who had asthma and whose circumstances were similar to the applicants in Berdzenishvili – died immediately following his transportation to Domodedovo airport for deportation. Ms. Dzidzava argued that the Russian authorities were aware of Mr. Togonidze’s health condition, but failed to take the necessary measures to prevent his death.
EHRAC and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association represented 11 of the applicants in Berdzenishvili and Ms. Dzidzava.