05 August 2026
Recognition Without a Meal
On 16 July 2026, the European Court of Human Rights held, for the first time, that veganism falls within the ambit of Article 9 of the Convention, which protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In G.K. and A.S. v. Switzerland, two applicants – one held in pre-trial detention, the other confined to a psychiatric unit – had requested a vegan diet consistent with their ethical convictions and had received no reasoned response. The Court found Switzerland in breach of Article 9 and of Article 13, which guarantees an effective remedy. Continue reading >>
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25 November 2025
Grey’s Autonomy
Amid the weakening of constitutional safeguards in Slovakia, the recently amended Statute on Healthcare now allows a person authorised to perform clerical activities to enter an institutional health care facility without any restrictions. At face value, the Statute aims to ensure the patient’s right to spiritual care. Crucially, however, it omits any reference to a patient’s request and consent – a silence that sits at the centre of this post. Article 9 ECHR does not tolerate that kind of vagueness in such a vulnerable environment. Henceforth, the Statute must directly state that access is based on explicit patient consent. Continue reading >>
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