The European Court of Human Rights will not deal with the spelling of non-Lithuanian surnames

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has crossed off the petition on the spelling of non-Lithuanian names and surnames from the list of cases, informed the Ministry of Justice.

A complaint by a citizen of the United States, Lina Wahl, against Lithuania has been withdrawn due to the lack of response to the explanation by the Lithuanian Government.

Holding the Lithuanian citizenship, Lina Wahl turned to ECtHR to accuse Lithuania of the violation of basic human rights and freedoms, which are ensured by the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. As the woman noted, she did not have a chance, in Lithuanian documents – in her passport and marriage certificate, to spell her surname in original – “Wahl”.

Wahl’s complaint was handed over to the Lithuanian Government, which came up with a statement on this matter and sent it in a registered letter to the United States. In contrast, ECtHR did not receive any response from the accuser. The citizen of the United States was notified by letter that her complaint against Lithuania may be crossed off from the list of cases, the woman, however, did not respond to the letter.

ECtHR unanimously decided to cross the Lithuanian citizen’s complaint off, recognizing that the accuser does not take part in the case.

According to the legislation in force, the names and surnames of Lithuanian citizens in identity documents are spelled in the Lithuanian language.