The Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has ordered Ukrainian authorities to pay compensation to a Polish man who was beaten and had cigarettes stubbed out on his arms by police whilst under arrest.

Piotr N. (name withheld under Polish law) was arrested in Lviv in January 2005 in connection with a car theft.

According to the Pole, he was denounced during the interrogation as 'an international thief' and subjected to prolonged abuse. The claimant was beaten and had cigarettes and matches stubbed out on his arms.

After four days, Piotr N. was deported to Poland. However, by law he had permission to reside in Ukraine for a further three months.

Doctors confirmed that the claimant had burns, a broken tooth, and other injuries.

Piotr N. initially filed a complaint via a prosecutors office Poland with the Ukrainian authorities. However, no investigation was forthcoming on the Ukrainian side.

The court in Strasbourg has now ruled that the Ukrainian police violated the European Convention on Human Rights. The Ukrainians must pay 16,000 euro in compensation.

Authorities in Kiev have three months to appeal the verdict. (nh/pg)

Source: TVP