VALIULLINA AND OTHERS v. LATVIA

Art 14 (+ Art 2 P1) • Discrimination • Right to education • Non-discriminatory legislative amendments increasing the proportion of subjects taught in public schools in the only State language, Latvian, and thus reducing the use of Russian as the language of instruction • Russian-speaking and Latvian-speaking pupils in a relevantly similar situation • Impugned difference in treatment justified by the legitimate aims of protecting and strengthening the Latvian language - one of the State’s fundamental constitutional values - and ensuring the unity of the education system • Importance of specific historical context of unlawful occupation and annexation significantly restricting use of Latvian for more than fifty years as well as difficult choices following restoration of independence • Legislative amendments implemented gradually and flexibly, with sufficient scope for adaptation to the needs of those affected • Wide State margin of appreciation not overstepped • Education system in place

1 new 17596/23 17596/23 | Available only in French | Judgment (Merits and Just Satisfaction) | Court (First Section) | 10/09/2026 No violation of Article 6+6-3-c - Right to a fair trial (Article 6 - Criminal proceedings Article 6-1 - Fair hearing) (Articl... more… No violation of Article 6+6-3-c - Right to a fair trial (Article 6 - Criminal proceedings Article 6-1 - Fair hearing) (Article 6-3-c - Defence through legal assistance Article 6-3 - Rights of defence;Article 6 - Right to a fair trial) 2 new 17596/23 17596/23 | Available only in French | Judgment (Merits and Just Satisfaction) |…

related reading

• European Court of Human Rightshudoc.echr.coe.int
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