The National Preventive Group paid another visit to the Penitentiary Service Prison

On the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva, the members of the National Preventive Group (NPG) paid a scheduled visit to the Prison of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice without prior notice.

Within the frames of the visit conducted in accordance with the requirements of the OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman, the NPG members inspected the penal isolator, medical-sanitary unit, kitchen, visiting rooms and others in the penitentiary facility.

During the visit, which was also attended by NPG doctor-member, the conditions of detention, treatment, health, nutrition, access to phone, visitation, and other rights of life-sentenced prisoners were monitored on the spot.

During the private and confidential reception, the prisoners were explained their rights, the powers of the Ombudsman and the requirements of the relevant legislation. At the same time, written appeals addressed to the Commissioner were received, and several appeals were provided on the spot.

In the course of the visit, it was found that the Penitentiary institution building was in need of an overhaul, some medicines were out of date and did not have the necessary seals, the laboratory room and operating room were not functioning, X-ray, USM and many other medical equipment were not working, as well as firefighting regulations were not followed and that the fire extinguisher was out of date, as well as there were shortcomings in the documentation.

At the end, NPG members held legal awareness talks with the administration and employees of the prison, as well as made relevant recommendations on the elimination of deficiencies, further improvement of detention conditions, treatment issues and documentation.