Slovakia has lodged a case application against Belgium relating to the detention and death of a Slovak national in 2018, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) confirmed on Friday.
On the night of 23 to 24 February 2018, Slovak national Jozef Chovanec (38) was detained and placed in a cell at the Brussels-Charleroi Airport, for reportedly trying to board a plane without a passport.
Leaked surveillance footage of the detention sparked controversy as Belgian officers were shown being physically aggressive and sitting on top of Chovanec for about 15 minutes. As this took place, two officers appeared to be joking around. One of the police officers was then seen making a Hitler salute. Days later, Chovanec died in a Charleroi hospital on 27 February 2018.
The Slovak Government is now lodging a case over the use of physical restraint by the Belgian police and the effectiveness of the investigation into the case that ensued in Belgium.
States that intend to bring a case before the ECHR must first lodge an application that outlines a statement of facts, alleged violations, and relevant arguments.
Belgium was formally notified of Slovakia's application by the Court on 3 March 2025. There is a 12-week time limit for any potential third-party intervention.
This is the first time Slovakia and Belgium have been involved in an interstate case before the ECHR, the Court noted in a press release. The case marks the 31st interstate application received by the Court since 1956.
