In the case of Machalikashvili and Others v. Georgia the Court held that there had been a violation of the procedural aspect and no violation of the substantive aspect of the right to life.

The case concerned an anti-terrorism operation carried out in Georgia by the State Security Service. Following one of the arrests, the applicants’ relative died in hospital, having been shot while allegedly trying to detonate a grenade during his arrest.

The Court found that the authorities had failed to comply with the requirements of an effective and thorough investigation. However, it considered that there was insufficient evidence to conclude, beyond reasonable doubt, that the applicants’ relative had died in circumstances engaging the responsibility of the State.

• Press release
• Factsheet: Terrorism