Under the new legislation, Baka was unable to seek legal remedy. In the first instance, the Strasbourg court ruled against Hungary in May 2014, arguing that the Hungarian authorities had violated Baka’s human rights. The Hungarian state, however, appealed against the decision.

In its Thursday ruling, the court upheld its earlier one and instructed the Hungarian state to pay damages of 70,000 euros and 30,000 euros to compensate Baka for his legal fees.

In its 2014 ruling, the Strasbourg court concluded that the “early termination of the applicant’s mandate as President of the Supreme Court was a reaction against his criticism and publicly expressed views on judicial reforms and thereby constituted an interference with the exercise of his right to freedom of expression”.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.