Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the average length of time was between a case referred to the European Court of Human Rights and a judgement in a case in the last twelve months; and when he expects a judgement in the cases of (a) Leyla Zana, (b) Selim Sadak, (c) Hatip Dicle and (d) Orhan Dogah.

Answer: Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the average length of time was between a case referred to the European Court of Human Rights and a judgment in a case in the last 12 months; and when he expects a judgment in the cases of (a) Leyla Zana, (b) Selim Sadak, (c) Hatip Dicle and (d) Orhan Dogah. [160383] Mr. Battle: The new European Court of Human Rights came into existence on 1 November 1998. The Court has set itself the objective of reaching a final judgment on the merits of a case within two years of that case being introduced. However, due to the considerable backlog of cases that the new Court inherited from the previous European Court and Commission, the Court is not at present in a position to meet that objective. The Government have provided additional assistance to the Court to help in clear that backlog. The majority of cases that do not go for judgment are decided within one year. Judgments are expected shortly in the cases of Leyla Zana, Selim Sadak, Hatip Dicle and Orhan Dogah, and probably by the beginning of June.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 368 c1-2W; 160383
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Administrative delays Human rights European Court of Human Rights Political prisoners Trials Zana, Leyla
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk