ECtHR registers 6 cases by Oschadbank couriers against Hungary over alleged torture and detention

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has initiated proceedings against Hungary for the alleged torture and unlawful detention of Ukrainian Oschadbank staff in March, the state-owned bank revealed on October 15. These cases emerged from an incident that occurred during Hungary's election campaign, just before Viktor Orban remained the prime minister.

Hungarian authorities arrested seven Oschadbank employees on suspicion of money laundering while they were traveling from Austria to Ukraine via Hungary, carrying substantial amounts of cash, euros, and gold. The detained staff were released the following day, and the valuables were returned to Ukraine in May. The ECHR cases were filed by six state-owned Ukrainian bank employees who claim they were tortured and illegally detained.

It is expected that a case will also be filed on behalf of a seventh worker. Kyiv previously denounced the incident, labeling it as "hostage-taking" and "state terrorism." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated that the staff endured both physical and psychological pressure. The ECHR's acceptance of the complaint and the opening of proceedings suggest there are valid legal grounds for the case, indicating its merit and the court's intention to examine it thoroughly.

The staff's legal action relies on Articles 3 and 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibit torture and safeguard the right to liberty and security.