Lithuania Accepts ECtHR Ruling on Unlawful Detention of Saudi National in Suspected CIA Secret Prison

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled that Mustafa al-Hawsawi, a Saudi national, was unlawfully detained by Lithuania at an alleged covert CIA jail outside of Vilnius in the early 2000s. Al-Hawsawi was given a 100,000 euro award by the court, while the non-governmental organisation REDRESS was given a 30,000 euro reward for violating his human rights. April 16, 2024 was the final date of the judgement; Lithuania did not file an appeal.

The ECtHR found that al-Hawsawi's detention in Lithuania between 2005 and 2006 violated various articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the prohibition of torture and the right to a fair trial. The court also ordered Lithuania to take necessary steps in its investigation and approach the United States to remedy the ongoing human rights violations against al-Hawsawi.

Why this matters: This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts to hold countries accountable for their involvement in the CIA's secret detention and extraordinary rendition program in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It also emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, even in the context of national security and counterterrorism measures.

This marks the second case in which the ECtHR has ruled against Lithuania over the alleged CIA prison, with a third case currently under consideration. Despite the rulings, Lithuania does not officially acknowledge the existence of the CIA detention site on its territory, claiming that the facility was intended for intelligence support rather than serving as a prison.

The acceptance of the ECtHR's ruling by Lithuania is a significant step towards addressing the human rights violations that occurred in the context of the CIA's secret detention program. As the court has ordered, Lithuania must now take the necessary measures to investigate the matter further and work with the United States to ensure that the ongoing human rights violations against al-Hawsawi are remedied.

Key Takeaways

• ECtHR ruled Lithuania illegally held Saudi national in CIA prison, awarded €130k
• Detention violated human rights, Lithuania ordered to investigate and work with US
• Second ECtHR ruling against Lithuania over alleged CIA prison, third case pending
• Lithuania denies facility was a prison, claims it was for intelligence support
• Ruling highlights efforts to hold countries accountable for CIA's secret detention program