Eiropas Cilvēktiesību tiesa
2015. gada 15. oktobris
Facts
The applicants, representatives of farmers’ organisations, blocked major Lithuanian roads during a protest against agricultural policy. For these actions, they were convicted of a criminal offence for disturbing public order.
Complaint
The applicants complained that their conviction for blocking the roads violated their right to freedom of assembly under Article 11 of the Convention.
Court decision
The Grand Chamber held that the road blockade constituted a peaceful protest and was therefore protected under Article 11 of the Convention. The Court emphasised that any demonstration held in a public place is likely to cause some disruption, and the authorities must show a certain degree of tolerance towards such actions.
The protesters did not abuse their rights - they maintained contact with the authorities and allowed a limited number of vehicles to pass.
The Court noted that the situation had been examined by the Lithuanian courts in a narrow context, without fully assessing the impact of criminal liability on the right to freedom of assembly. It also observed that only some of the farmers had faced criminal prosecution.
Accordingly, the Court found a violation of Article 11 of the Convention.