Raisa Kosumova from Chechnya was killed in July 2003 when she was caught by mortar shelling effected by the federal troops without precise calculations.  

In Russia, investigation into the case was suspended many times, therefore the culprits are still not held responsible.

Raisa’s relatives applied to the Interregional Committee against Torture that conducted a public investigation and revealed that the RF authorities had violated Ms. Kosumova’s rights under art. 2 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Lawyers of the Committee filed an application to the Strasbourg Court asking the Court to grant it priority.

Today we have learnt that the ECtHR has sustained the request. This decision means that Raisa Kosumova’s case has a special status that will allow her relatives to see justice done in Europe much quicker.