FOURTH SECTION
CASE OF HRNJIĆ AND OTHERS v. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
(Application no. 20954/13 and 57 others -
see appended list)
JUDGMENT
STRASBOURG
7 February 2019
This judgment is final but it may be subject to editorial revision.
In the case of Hrnjić and Others v. Bosnia and Herzegovina,
The European Court of Human Rights (Fourth Section), sitting as a Committee composed of:
Georges Ravarani, President,
Marko Bošnjak,
Péter Paczolay, judges,
and Liv Tigerstedt, Acting Deputy Section Registrar,
Having deliberated in private on 17 January 2019,
Delivers the following judgment, which was adopted on that date:
PROCEDURE
1. The case originated in applications against Bosnia and Herzegovina lodged with the Court under Article 34 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (“the Convention”) on the various dates indicated in the appended table.
2. The applicants were represented by the representatives listed in the appended table.
3. Notice of the applications was given to the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“the Government”).
THE FACTS
4. The list of applicants and the relevant details of the applications are set out in the appended table.
5. The applicants complained of the non-enforcement or delayed enforcement of domestic decisions.
THE LAW
I. JOINDER OF THE APPLICATIONS
6. Having regard to the similar subject matter of the applications, the Court finds it appropriate to examine them jointly in a single judgment.
II. ALLEGED VIOLATION OF ARTICLE 6 § 1 OF THE CONVENTION AND OF ARTICLE 1 OF PROTOCOL No. 1
7. The applicants complained of the non-enforcement or delayed enforcement of domestic decisions given in their favour. They relied, expressly or in substance, on Article 6 § 1 of the Convention and on Article 1 of Protocol No. 1, which read as follows:
Article 6 § 1
“In the determination of his civil rights and obligations ... everyone is entitled to a fair ... hearing ... by [a] ... tribunal ...”
Article 1 of Protocol No. 1
“Every natural or legal person is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of his possessions. No one shall be deprived of his possessions except in the public interest and subject to the conditions provided for by law and by the general principles of international law.
The preceding provisions shall not, however, in any way impair the right of a State to enforce such laws as it deems necessary to control the use of property in accordance with the general interest or to secure the payment of taxes or other contributions or penalties.”
8. The Court reiterates that the execution of a judgment given by any court must be regarded as an integral part of a “hearing” for the purposes of Article 6. It also refers to its case-law concerning the non-enforcement or delayed enforcement of final domestic judgments (see Hornsby v. Greece, no. 18357/91, § 40, Reports of Judgments and Decisions 1997‑II).
9. In the leading cases of Spahić and Others v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, nos. 20514/15 and 15 others, §§ 25-31, 14 November 2017, and Kunić and Others v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, nos. 68955/12 and 15 others, §§ 26-31, 14 November 2017, the Court already found a violation in respect of issues similar to those in the present case.
10. The Court further notes that the decisions in the present applications ordered specific action to be taken. The Court therefore considers that the decisions in question constitute “possessions” within the meaning of Article 1 of Protocol No. 1.
11. Having examined all the material submitted to it, the Court has not found any fact or argument capable of persuading it to reach a different conclusion on the admissibility and merits of these complaints. Having regard to its case-law on the subject, the Court considers that in the instant case the authorities did not deploy all necessary efforts to enforce fully and in due time the decisions in the applicants’ favour.
12. These complaints are therefore admissible and disclose a breach of Article 6 § 1 of the Convention and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1.
III. APPLICATION OF ARTICLE 41 OF THE CONVENTION
13. Article 41 of the Convention provides:
“If the Court finds that there has been a violation of the Convention or the Protocols thereto, and if the internal law of the High Contracting Party concerned allows only partial reparation to be made, the Court shall, if necessary, afford just satisfaction to the injured party.”
14. Regard being had to the documents in its possession and to its case‑law (see, in particular, Spahić and Others v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, nos. 20514/15 and 15 others, §§ 36-43, 14 November 2017, and Kunić and Others v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, nos. 68955/12 and 15 others, §§ 37‑46, 14 November 2017), the Court considers it reasonable to award the sums indicated in the appended table.
15. The Court further notes that the respondent State has an outstanding obligation to enforce the judgments which remain enforceable.
16. The Court considers it appropriate that the default interest rate should be based on the marginal lending rate of the European Central Bank, to which should be added three percentage points.
FOR THESE REASONS, THE COURT, UNANIMOUSLY,
1. Decides to join the applications;
2. Declares the applications admissible;
3. Holds that these applications disclose a breach of Article 6 § 1 of the Convention and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 concerning the non-enforcement or delayed enforcement of domestic decisions;
4. Holds that the respondent State shall ensure, by appropriate means, within three months, the enforcement of the pending domestic decisions referred to in the appended table;
5. Holds
(a) that the respondent State is to pay the applicants, within three months, the amounts indicated in the appended table, to be converted into the currency of the respondent State at the rate applicable at the date of settlement;
(b) that from the expiry of the above-mentioned three months until settlement simple interest shall be payable on the above amounts at a rate equal to the marginal lending rate of the European Central Bank during the default period plus three percentage points.
Done in English, and notified in writing on 7 February 2019, pursuant to Rule 77 §§ 2 and 3 of the Rules of Court.
Liv TigerstedtGeorges Ravarani
Acting Deputy RegistrarPresident
APPENDIX
List of applications raising complaints under Article 6 § 1 of the Convention and Article 1 of the Protocol No. 1
(non-enforcement or delayed enforcement of domestic decisions)
No.
Application no.
Date of introduction
Applicant’s name
Date of birth
Representative’s name and location
Relevant domestic decision
Start date of non-enforcement period or date of entry into force of the Convention in respect of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(12 July 2002)
End date of non-enforcement period
Length of enforcement proceedings
Amount awarded for non-pecuniary damage per applicant
(in euros)[1]
Amount awarded for costs and expenses per application
(in euros)[2]
20954/13
12/02/2013
Edin Hrnjić
27/09/1958
Zenica Cantonal Court, 02/04/2007
28/05/2007
pending
More than 11 year(s) and 5 month(s) and 25 day(s)
1,000
48016/13
17/05/2013
(6 applicants)
Tomislav Batarilo
28/11/1952
Josip KNEŽEVIĆ
10/03/1964
Edib KUČUKOVIĆ
04/07/1970
Azra MALIĆBEGOVIĆ
23/01/1957
Jelica TOMIĆ
19/03/1953
Fatima ZVEKIĆ
22/04/1966
Hrnjić Edin
Žepče
Zenica Cantonal Court, 21/08/2007
Žepče First Instance Court, 23/04/2007
07/11/2007
16/09/2008
pending
More than 11 year(s) and 15 day(s)
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 2 month(s) and 6 day(s)
1,000
350
20339/15
13/04/2015
Sanela Alispahić
09/10/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 15/05/2009
Tešanj First Instance Court, 13/03/2013
14/12/2011
23/09/2013
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 8 day(s)
pending
More than 5 year(s) and 1 month(s) and 30 day(s)
1,000
350
21031/15
24/04/2015
Hajrudin Alić
02/09/1964
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zavidovići First Instance Court, 26/11/2008
24/02/2009
pending
More than 9 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 29 day(s)
1,000
350
29464/15
11/06/2015
Edber Čančar
05/06/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29544/15
11/06/2015
Emir Abadžija
03/08/1970
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
07/07/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29551/15
11/06/2015
Ivan Čurčić
15/06/1972
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29669/15
11/06/2015
Branko Grgić
27/03/1977
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29694/15
11/06/2015
Saudin Isaković
05/07/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29700/15
11/06/2015
Nihad Muslić
01/05/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
29707/15
11/06/2015
Bruno Međedović
12/01/1977
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica Court of First Instance, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30060/15
11/06/2015
Dalibor Jurić
11/05/1979
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30063/15
11/06/2015
Josip Vidović
01/09/1967
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30068/15
11/06/2015
Elmir Hrvić
07/01/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
07/07/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30178/15
11/06/2015
Munir Alispahić
20/01/1971
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
07/07/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30206/15
11/06/2015
Luka Pandža
11/03/1968
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
17/10/2008
17/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 1 month(s) and 5 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
30276/15
11/06/2015
Memsud Pašalić
30/08/1971
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
07/07/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30280/15
11/06/2015
Mirza Kovač
08/11/1962
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30339/15
11/06/2015
Đurđica Kovač
05/02/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Instance Court, 17/08/2012
17/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 1 month(s) and 5 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
30345/15
11/06/2015
Mirko Nikačević
27/05/1977
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 12/08/2008
Zenica First Inastance Court, 17/08/2012
27/10/2008
07/07/2014
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 26 day(s)
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 4 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
34523/15
19/06/2015
Sabida Imamović
18/08/1977
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 30/07/2008
05/04/2010
pending
More than 8 year(s) and 7 month(s) and 17 day(s)
1,000
350
7065/16
29/01/2016
Haris Goralija
16/01/1970
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7164/16
29/01/2016
Galib Hadžić
02/07/1968
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7187/16
29/01/2016
Amir Brka
14/12/1971
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7190/16
29/01/2016
Boris Agotić
17/01/1979
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7191/16
29/01/2016
Enes Hrusto
19/07/1967
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7192/16
29/01/2016
Esad Bahtić
02/03/1970
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
7672/16
29/01/2016
Našid Goralija
19/07/1975
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court , 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
13344/16
29/02/2016
Ema Muratović
03/02/1949
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13346/16
29/02/2016
Emina Hinović
31/10/1978
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
17/03/2015
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13348/16
29/02/2016
Stjepan Krajina
21/06/1945
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
13/12/2011
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
1,000
350
13350/16
29/02/2016
Suvada Skulić
10/09/1957
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13351/16
29/02/2016
Mina Škiljo
11/10/1962
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13354/16
29/02/2016
Enisa Hodžić
27/02/1971
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13356/16
29/02/2016
Jasminka Kaloševac
22/11/1964
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13761/16
29/07/2015
Alma Halilović
14/09/1978
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
17/03/2015
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13777/16
29/02/2016
Stanojka Krajina
03/03/1949
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
13/12/2011
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
1,000
350
13786/16
29/02/2016
Mensur Halilović
29/07/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
17/03/2015
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
13793/16
29/02/2016
Muhamed Demirović
10/11/1945
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
13/12/2011
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
1,000
350
13795/16
29/02/2016
Sead Krličević
02/11/1976
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
13/12/2011
17/03/2015
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
14617/16
29/02/2016
Nina Pranjić
08/07/1956
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 19/05/2010
13/12/2011
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 9 day(s)
1,000
350
14620/16
29/02/2016
Mensura Kunalić
25/07/1967
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 14/02/2014
17/03/2015
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 8 month(s) and 5 day(s)
1,000
350
51241/16
22/08/2016
Senad Šaranović
22/09/1975
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Tešanj First Instance Court, 03/10/2007
Zenica First Instance Court, 28/04/2010
25/12/2007
16/12/2011
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 10 month(s) and 28 day(s)
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 6 day(s)
1,000
350
53946/16
02/09/2016
Elvedin Silajdžić
02/10/1965
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
07/12/2010
pending
More than 7 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
53970/16
02/09/2016
Ferid Omeragić
24/12/1965
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
14/01/2013
pending
More than 5 year(s) and 10 month(s) and 8 day(s)
1,000
350
54079/16
02/09/2016
Irnis Kovačević
24/04/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
07/12/2010
pending
More than 7 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
54086/16
02/09/2016
Alija Hrustanović
26/01/1972
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
01/02/2013
pending
More than 5 year(s) and 9 month(s) and 21 day(s)
1,000
350
54094/16
02/09/2016
Sabahudin Mušinbegović
24/12/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
07/12/2012
pending
More than 5 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
54098/16
02/09/2016
Amir Grahić
05/02/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 26/04/2010
07/12/2012
pending
More than 5 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 15 day(s)
1,000
350
44155/17
08/06/2017
Sulejman Smolo
10/07/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 02/12/2013
30/01/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 9 month(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
44157/17
08/06/2017
Sedžad Jašarspahić
11/12/1975
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 22/10/2009
14/04/2011
pending
More than 7 year(s) and 7 month(s) and 8 day(s)
1,000
350
44158/17
08/06/2017
Mijo Babić
06/07/1974
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 02/12/2013
30/01/2014
pending
More than 4 year(s) and 9 month(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
44167/17
08/06/2017
Ranko Vazgeč
03/03/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 11/02/2013
24/04/2015
pending
More than 3 year(s) and 6 month(s) and 29 day(s)
1,000
350
44168/17
08/06/2017
Samir Bahtić
04/11/1973
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica First Instance Court, 28/04/2010
16/12/2011
pending
More than 6 year(s) and 11 month(s) and 6 day(s)
1,000
350
44575/17
08/06/2017
Almir Hrustanović
15/04/1972
Alić Muhidin
Tesanj
Zenica Cantonal Court, 05/06/2008
30/10/2008
pending
More than 10 year(s) and 23 day(s)
1,000
350
14463/18
14/03/2018
Francika Damjanović
01/01/1959
Advokatsko Društvo Petrušić & Co DOO
Zenica
Zenica Cantonal Court, 30/01/2007
26/03/2007
pending
More than 11 year(s) and 7 month(s) and 27 day(s)
1,000
350
21150/18
26/04/2018
Zijada Beganović
23/05/1963
Advokatsko Društvo Petrušić & Co
Zenica
Zenica Cantonal Court, 30/01/2007
26/03/2007
pending
More than 11 year(s) and 7 month(s) and 27 day(s)
1,000
350
22598/18
04/05/2018
(9 applicants)
Sabit Sulejmanović
06/05/1968
Enes BEGOVIĆ
08/07/1967
Anto ŠTRBAC
29/05/1973
Hasija MANDŽUKA
04/01/1967
Nenad SPREMO
17/04/1955
Amir KOS
04/05/1970
Gordan PEČI
13/01/1984
Izudin ISAKOVIĆ
31/05/1965
Enesa ŠEHOVIĆ
29/05/1948
Advokatsko Društvo Petrušić & Co DOO
Zenica
Zenica Cantonal Court, 28/03/2007
11/06/2007
pending
More than 11 year(s) and 5 month(s) and 11 day(s)
1,000
350
[1]. Plus any tax that may be chargeable to the applicants.
[2]. Plus any tax that may be chargeable to the applicants.
Full & Egal Universal Law Academy