In the case of Lavorgna v. Italy the Court held that there had been a violation of the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment as regards both the treatment of the applicant and the ensuing investigation.

The case concerned the treatment given to the applicant while in confinement in a psychiatric ward. He had been strapped down and given sedatives owing to reported aggressive actions.

The Court found that the Government had failed to demonstrate why such a long period of restraining the applicant had been necessary and had not addressed his arguments that the restraint had been “precautionary” rather than a “last resort”.

• Press release