The Council of Europe criticized Russia regarding the “deportation case”. According to the Justice Ministry of Georgia, the Committee of Ministers of the CoE strongly criticized Russia for failing the so-called case of deportees, while discussing the issue on March 3-5.

The Committee fully supported the arguments of the Government of Georgia and noted to Russia that the payment of compensation was an unconditional obligation under Article 46, part 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council of Europe criticized Russia for demanding a list from Georgia for payment of compensation and going against the European Court"s ruling.

The decision of the Committee of Ministers states that the deadline for payment of compensation expired on April 30, 2019, and Russia still has to fulfill this obligation, which is why Russia will have to pay a fine.

The Committee of Ministers instructed Russian authorities to consult with the Secretariat of the Committee of Ministers to discuss the details of the transaction.

In 2006 Russia deported 153 citizens of Georgia as a wave of punitive measures against Georgian migrants and businesses grew, prompting criticism that the government is carrying out an ethnically-motivated campaign of harassment.