Harry Shindler's votes for expats case blocked by European Court of Human Rights

HARRY Shindler's flight to ensure that UK expats retain their right to vote in British parliamentary elections beyond 15 years has been dealt a blow.

The European Court of Human Rights has notified his solicitor, Oliver & Partners, that a panel of five judges of the Grand Chamber decided on 9 September not to accept Harry Shindler's request that his case be referred to the Grand Chamber.

No reasons were given for this decision, but the consequence is that the judgement of 7 May, finding that the disenfranchisement of Harry Shindler resulting from the 15 year rule was not a violation of Art 3 Protocol 1 of the European Convention of Human Rights, is now considered final.

Harry Shindler, pictured, said he intends to continue with his campaign for the right to vote in UK national elections and referendums and intends to petition the United Nations as he also believes that his disenfranchisement is in violation of the Universal Charter of Human Rights (Art.21).

Earlier this month a representative group from across Europe, including France, led by 93-year-old Harry Shindler had a meeting with Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship.

The group came together to press the Commission to take further action to ensure EU citizens living in another EU country enjoy the right to vote in national elections of their country of origin.

Viviane Reding insisted that the practice in some Member States of depriving their citizens of their right to vote once they moved to another EU country - disenfranchisement - is effectively tantamount to punishing citizens for having exercised their right to free movement.

Website: Votes for Expat Brits