The European Court of Human Rights has opened proceedings in the case of Oschadbank cash collectors vs Hungary regarding torture and unlawful detention

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg has officially registered and begun reviewing six cases based on complaints filed by Ukrainian cash collectors against the State of Hungary regarding unlawful detention and torture. The ECHR Secretariat sent confirmation that official case numbers had been assigned to the applications filed on July 5, 2026.

A similar procedure is expected for the seventh applicant—a cash collector—whose case is based on similar facts and violations of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Receiving official letters from the ECHR Secretariat confirming the registration of the applications and granting access to the eComms electronic communication system is a critically important procedural step. According to the Court’s statistics, the vast majority of applications to the ECHR are screened out during the initial review due to non-compliance with formal requirements or are deemed inadmissible by the Court.

The fact that the ECHR has accepted the complaint and opened proceedings indicates the existence of a well-founded legal position, the case’s legal merit, and the Court’s intention to examine it on its merits.

“We will continue to consistently uphold the interests of our employees and defend not only human rights but also the reputation of a state financial institution that operates exclusively within the framework of international law. The ECHR’s official notice of the opening of proceedings demonstrates that a systematic legal stance, diplomatic support, and steadfastness in defending national interests yield results even in the most complex international situations. We are sincerely grateful to all our partners for their support in defending the legitimate interests of the state-owned bank and our specialists,” commented Yuriy Katsion, Chairman of the Board of Oschadbank, on the opening of proceedings.

The complaints concern gross violations of the rights of Ukrainian citizens by the competent authorities of Hungary, specifically:

• Article 3 of the Convention (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment);
• Article 5 of the Convention (right to liberty and security of person / unlawful detention).

The case is currently in the initial written stage of proceedings.