ECHR Blames Hungary for Death of Refugee
- 6 Feb 2023 12:20 PM
- Hungary Around the Clock
Hungarian authorities are responsible for the death of 22-year-old Syrian Farhan Alhowais, who drowned in the Tisza in 2016 as a result of police brutality and violent coercion, the European Court of Human Rights ruled.
Alhowais tried to enter Hungary from Serbia in June, 2016, by crossing the Tisza river with his brother and other refugees in a boat, aided by people-smugglers.
The Helsinki Committee said that, upon reaching the shore, police unleashed dogs and tear gas at the refugees, forcing them back into the river.
Alhowais was injured and then drowned in the Tisza while his brother and cousin returned to the Serbian side of the river.
The Hungarian authorities did not investigate the circumstances of the incident substantively, the NGO said.
Alhowais’s brother sued Hungary at the ECHR, alleging loss of right to life, inhumane treatment, and the absence of substantive investigations.
In response to the ruling, the Interior Ministry said “The attack on Hungary by the Soros network in connection with a death in Hungary is nothing more than another attempt to exert pressure and discredit our country and Hungarian border defence”.
The verdict is not binding and the ministry says Hungary can be expected to file an appeal against the ruling.
XpatLoop Media Partner
LATEST NEWS IN current affairs