ECtHR unites claims lodged by victims of Dubrovka terror act

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has recognized eligible two groups of complaints that arrived from the victims of the terror act in Theatrical Centre in Dubrovka in Moscow and united two claims into one proceeding.

Both victims' complaints were filed in 2004; the deal with violations of the right to life, right to fair trial, right to  efficient remedies and legitimacy of actions of special agencies in preventing the terror act.

"The European Court made an interim decision on eligibility of the complaints and united two groups of claims into one process," said Igor Trunov, an advocate for the victims.

According to his story, the ECtHR offered two advocates, who representing both cases, to unite their efforts, develop a common position on the claim, and send their answer to the ECtHR before May 30, as the "Interfax" reports.

Lawyer Karinna Moskalenko, who is also representing the interests of the victims of the "Nord-Ost" terror act, has treated the decision as a "great victory for all those, whose life "was ruined by the 'Nord-Ost' to this or that extent", and for all residents of Russia.

According to her story, the ECtHR has addressed, under petition of the Russian party, all the lawyers running the case with a request to observe the confidentiality regime as to its consideration. She expressed fears that the decision on the case might also be made secret.