Information Note on the Court’s case-law 22

September 2000

Slavgorodski v. Estonia - 37043/97

Judgment 12.9.2000 [Section I]

Article 8

Article 8-1

Respect for correspondence

Opening of prisoner’s correspondence, including with the Commission, and delay in handing over: settlement between parties

The applicant was convicted for murder and sentenced to imprisonment. During his detention, his correspondence was reg ularly opened by the prison authorities and its delivery was delayed. He referred in particular to letters received from the Ministry of the Interior, the public prosecutor’s office, the President and international organisations, including the European Com mission of Human Rights, which he had received opened.

The parties have reached a settlement in which the Government express regret for the opening of the correspondence with the Commission and offer to pay the applicant 67,567.60 Estonian crowns (50,000 c rowns to cover any damage and costs and 17,567.60 crowns as an income tax of the applicant). The Government further state that the decision of the Court striking the case out will be sent to the President of Estonia, to the Legal Chancellor and to other re levant authorities.

© Council of Europe/European Court of Human Rights This summary by the Registry does not bind the Court.

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