Violations of Human Rights in Europe: The Case of Inara Vilkaste Presented in Strasbourg, France

VIENNA, Austria and STRASBOURG, France, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Vienna based Committee "Justice for Inara", represented by its chairman Walter Schwimmer, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, presented the case of continued violations of human rights of the Latvian citizen and businesswoman Inara Vilkaste in Strasbourg on April 18-19, 2012.

Since 2006 Inara Vilkaste and her family have been the targets of a criminal plot and a series of criminal attacks. Extortion, arson,  a car blast, an attempt to kidnap her daughter, a murder attempt and the disappearance of the family's lawyer were all only the start of events. They were followed by shady investigations, hundreds of civil and penal proceedings and the public defamation of Ms. Vilkaste and her family.

The committee is afraid that the Latvian State and its authorities have lost control of some state structures, in particular special services allowing the abuse of power, working under the conditions of secrecy while pursuing personal interests and non-transparent actions against Inara Vilkaste. Therefore Ms.Vilkaste seeks support in Europe with the help of the Committee.

First of all, the help should come from the European Court of Human Rights: Latvian lawyers, in cooperation with a renowned international law-firm in Strasbourg, have filed a complaint at the European Court of Human Rights regarding violations of Art.8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (respect for private and family life) and Art.1 of the 1^st Protocol to the Convention (protection of property).

The interlocutors in Strasbourg - in the European Parliament, in the Council of Europe, in the European Democracy Forum, as well as representatives of the international press, showed great interest. They all wished that Ms. Vilkaste can escape this nightmare.

"Human Rights must prevail everywhere."

Mr.Schwimmer, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe and a promoter of democracy and human rights, hopes to achieve a break-through of human rights via the appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. He also hopes to raise public awareness in Europe and convincing the Latvian government to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens and to regain complete control over its special services. When Ms. Vilkaste was asked what she wants to achieve, she said: "I want my life back!"

More information: http://www.justiceforinara.eu

Rückfragenhinweis: Committee Justice for Inara, office@justiceforinara.eu, +43-17185068-13, Sabine Pöhacker, +43-1315-14110.