CCPR/C/112/D/1773/2008
part of the authors, it is not in a position to recognize the validity and legitimacy of either
the communication or the additional information submitted.
6.2
It explains that, on humanitarian grounds, on 16 August 2008, Mr. Kozulin was
released by Presidential Decree and contends that the author has omitted that fact on
purpose, in an attempt to deprive the Committee of full information and have an objective
consideration of the case. Thus, the author continues to exert pressure on the Committee by
submitting subjective and politically motivated assessments regarding Mr. Kozulin’s
imprisonment, extraneous to the substance of the case. It interprets the author’s actions as
an abuse of the right of submission and invites the Committee to declare the case
inadmissible.
Additional submission from the alleged victim
7.1
On 24 March 2009, Mr. Kozulin commented on the State party’s observations of 14
October 2008.
7.2
He notes that it remains uncontested that, on 2 March 2006 he was arrested by
officers in plain clothes, without explanation. It remains also unrefuted that, on 25 March
2006, he was detained for more than 20 hours without the possibility of contacting his
counsel or family; the legality of the decision to keep him in custody on 25 March 2006
was taken on 12 April 2006, i.e. a court endorsed his detention 18 days after his actual
apprehension.
7.3
He notes that the State party has failed to prove that the 25 March 2006 gathering
was not peaceful or that it breached the public order, or to explain why the Minister of
Internal Affairs’ statement on the same day, designating him as a culprit, was broadcast on
a public television station.
7.4
He believes that the State party failed to present sufficient arguments regarding the
fact that, during five hot summer days of court hearings, he was denied fresh water.
Moreover, the court dismissed his motions to summon additional witnesses.
7.5
He finally notes that the State party did not prove its full commitment to providing
him with adequate medical care. During his detention, he suffered from hyperaemia, pain
and other signs of inflammation as he was frequently handcuffed. In addition, during his
hunger strike, his state of health deteriorated but he could not communicate with his
counsel.
Issues and proceedings before the Committee
Consideration of admissibility
8.1
Before considering any claim contained in a communication, the Human Rights
Committee must determine whether it is admissible under the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
8.2
As required under article 5, paragraph 2 (a), of the Optional Protocol, the Committee
has ascertained that the same matter is not being examined under another procedure of
international investigation or settlement.
8.3
The Committee notes first the State party’s objection regarding the acceptance for
examination of the present communication, as it was not submitted by the alleged victim. It
notes the author’s explanation, provided when submitting the case, that the penitentiary
administration prevented Mr. Kozulin from preparing a power of attorney. It also notes that,
subsequently, Mr. Kozulin has submitted duly signed comments to the State party’s
observations on admissibility and merits of the communication, thus confirming his interest
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