Resolution ResDH (2003)160

concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 27 February 2001 (final on 27 May 2001) in the case of Donnadieu against France

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 20 October 2003 at the 854th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Article 46, paragraph 2, of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as amended by Protocol No. 11 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”),

Having regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the Donnadieu case delivered on 27 February 2001 and transmitted to the Committee of Ministers once it had become final under Articles 44 and 46 of the Convention;

Recalling that the case originated in an application (No. 39066/97) against France, lodged with the European Commission of Human Rights on 14 August 1997 under former Article 25 of the Co n vention by Mr Jean ‑ Pierre Donnadieu , a French national, and that the Court, seised of the case under Article 5, paragraph 2, of Protocol No. 11, declared admissible the complaint concerning the excessive length of certain civil proceedings for damages following confinement in a psychiatric hospital;

Whereas in its judgment of 27 February 2001 the Court unanimously:

- held  that there had been a violation of Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention;

- held that the government of the respondent state was to pay the applicant, within three months from the date at which the judgment became final, 15 000 French francs in respect of non-pecuniary damage; 8 000 French francs in respect of costs and expenses and that simple interest at an annual rate of 4,26% would be payable on those sums from the expiry of the above-mentioned three months until settlement;

- dismissed the remainder of the applicant’s claim for just satisfa c tion;

Having regard to the Rules adopted by the Committee of Ministers concerning the application of Article 46, paragraph 2, of the Convention;

Having invited the government of the respondent state to inform it of the mea s ures which had been taken in consequence of the judgment of 27 February 2001, having regard to France’s obligation under Article 46, paragraph 1, of the Conve n tion to abide by it;

Whereas during the examination of the case by the Committee of Ministers, the government of the respondent state indicated that the Court’s judgment had been sent out to the authorities directly concerned;

Having satisfied itself that on 27 July 2001, within the time-limit set, the government of the respondent state had paid the a p plicant the sums provided for in the judgment of 27 February 2001,

Declares, after having examined the information supplied by the Government of France, that it has exe r cised its functions under Article 46, paragraph 2, of the Convention in this case.