TABLE OF CONTENTS I I INTRODUCTION OF THE CASE AND PURPOSE OF THE DISPUTE ........................... 4 II PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COURT .................................................................... 5 III JURISDICTION ................................................................................................... 6 IV PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS ................................................................................ 7 A) Preliminary objection regarding failure to exhaust domestic remedies .......................................... 8 B) Regarding the alleged violation of the State’s right to defense ..................................................... 10 V PRIOR CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................. 12 A) Alleged lack of legal standing of the representatives ..................................................................... 12 B) Factual framework .......................................................................................................................... 14 C) Determination of the alleged victims ............................................................................................. 15 VI EVIDENCE ......................................................................................................... 16 A) Documentary, testimonial and expert evidence ............................................................................ 16 B) Admission of the evidence .............................................................................................................. 17 VII FACTS .............................................................................................................. 20 A) Background relevant to the case .................................................................................................... 21 B) Life and previous work of A.A. and B.A. .......................................................................................... 26 C) The facts of the case ....................................................................................................................... 28 D) The investigations ........................................................................................................................... 31 VIII MERITS .......................................................................................................... 39 VIII.1. RIGHTS TO LIFE AND PERSONAL INTEGRITY, IN RELATION TO THE OBLIGATION TO GUARANTEE RIGHTS ................................................................... 39 A) Status as human rights defenders of A.A. and B.A. ........................................................................ 39 B) Rights to life and personal integrity in relation to the obligation to guarantee rights ................... 42 VIII.2. RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND RESIDENCE, IN RELATION TO THE OBLIGATION TO GUARANTEE RIGHTS ............................................................ 51 A) Arguments of the Commission and of the parties .......................................................................... 51 B) Considerations of the Court ............................................................................................................ 52 VIII.3. RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENT, IN RELATION TO THE OBLIGATION TO GUARANTEE RIGHTS ................................................................... 56 A) Arguments of the Commission and of the parties .......................................................................... 56 B) Considerations of the Court ............................................................................................................ 56 VIII.4. RIGHT TO JUDICIAL GUARANTEES AND TO JUDICIAL PROTECTION, IN RELATION TO THE OBLIGATION TO RESPECT AND GUARANTEE RIGHTS ............... 58 A) Arguments of the Commission and of the parties .......................................................................... 58 B) Considerations of the Court ............................................................................................................ 59 IX REPARATIONS .................................................................................................. 71 A) Injured Party ................................................................................................................................... 72 2