5.  The applicant was born in 1976 and lives in Vojnik. 6.  On 10 January 1996 the applicant was injured in an accident at work. He was a conscript and was appointed to work in a cafeteria of the military training centre. 7.  On 15 January 1998 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against the Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of Defence (Republika Slovenija, Ministrtstvo za obrambo, the Ministry) in the Celje District Court (Okrožno sodišče v Celju) seeking damages in the amount of 3,286,000 tolars (approximately 13,700 euros) for the injuries sustained.
Between 21 October 1998 and 10 April 2001 the applicant made six requests that a date be set for a hearing.
Between 18 May and 16 July 2001 he lodged three preliminary written submissions and/or adduced evidence.
Of the five hearings held between 27 September 2001 and 10 March 2003 none was adjourned at the request of the applicant.
During the proceedings the court appointed a medical expert and an expert for safety at work.
At the last hearing the court decided to deliver a written judgment. The judgment, upholding the applicant’s claim in part, was served on the applicant on 16 March 2003. 8.  On 17 March 2003 the applicant appealed to the Celje Higher Court (Višje sodišče v Celju). The Ministry cross-appealed.
On 20 October 2004 the court allowed the Ministry’s appeal in part and lowered the damages awarded by the first-instance court.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 2 November 2004. 9.  On 22 November 2004 the applicant lodged an appeal on points of law with the Supreme Court (Vrhovno sodišče).
The proceedings are still pending.