members of a minority group and had been the subject of comment in the press (see
paragraph 50 above), further contributing to their susceptibility to pressure brought to bear on
them.
171. In all the circumstances, the Court considers that the questioning of Mr Ivanov and
Mrs Ivanova by a representative or representatives of these same authorities, which led the
applicants to deny in a sworn declaration that they had made any application to the Commission
(see paragraph 51 above), amounted to a form of improper pressure in hindrance of the right of
individual petition.
It follows that there has been a breach of Article 25 § 1 of the Convention.
iv. application of article 50 of the convention
172. The applicants asked for just satisfaction pursuant to Article 50 of the Convention, which
states:
“If the Court finds that a decision or a measure taken by a legal authority or any other authority of a High
Contracting Party is completely or partially in conflict with the obligations arising from the ... Convention, and if the
internal law of the said Party allows only partial reparation to be made for the consequences of this decision or
measure, the decision of the Court shall, if necessary, afford just satisfaction to the injured party.”
A. Non-pecuniary damage
173. Mr Assenov claimed compensation for the harm caused to him by the many violations of
his Convention rights. Mr Ivanov and Mrs Ivanova claimed non-pecuniary damages in respect of
the pressure they were placed under by the authorities in breach of Article 25 § 1.
174. The Government submitted that no compensation should be awarded under Article 50.
175. The Court considers that, given the gravity and number of violations found in this case,
compensation for non-pecuniary damage should be awarded to Mr Assenov, although it takes the
view that the finding of a violation of Article 25 § 1 is adequate just satisfaction in respect of any
non-pecuniary damage suffered by Mr Ivanov and Mrs Ivanova.
Making an assessment on an equitable basis, it awards to Mr Assenov 6 million Bulgarian leva.
B. Costs and expenses
176. The applicants claimed costs and expenses equivalent to approximately GBP 14,860 in
respect of their Bulgarian representative and GBP 7,600 in respect of their United Kingdom
counsel.