NPM members conducted a visit to the Investigation Isolator No. 2

Under the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, the NPM members conducted an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Justice Penitentiary Service Investigation Isolator No. 2 located in Ganja.

The objective of the visit, conducted under the OPCAT and Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman, was to investigate the incoming appeals, detention conditions and treatment issues and the ensuring the rights of the accused persons in conformity with the relevant international standards and internally disciplinary rules. 

During the visit, the NPM monitored the dormitory, cells, penalty colony, canteen, kitchen, warehouse, investigation and lawyer meeting rooms and other objects and checked the situation with the medical care, quality of nutrition, parcel service, walking, visits and ensuring the right to phone call of the detainees. Furthermore, the documentation was also examined.

Many of the accused, held in the facility have been privately interviewed by the NPM team in order to investigate the appeals and have information about their detention condition and treatment standards. The requests of the accused were investigated on the spot and they were enlightened about their rights. The interviewed persons raised concerns about the condition in cells and overcrowding, inadequate bedding. Some of them were dissatisfied with medical care and the investigation of allegations against them.

At the same time, it was revealed that the registration books of the facility and its medical and sanitary unit as well as the lawyer and phone call rooms had deficiencies. Moreover, the investigation isolator had not a special cabinet for a psychological aid, as provided by the regulations.  

During the visit, the raised issues have been investigated on the spot and the detainees have been given legal consultations on the investigation process. Furthermore, they have been provided with information about the competences of the Ombudswoman. A few requests have been assessed on-site. 

At the end of the visit, the NPM had talks with the facility administration and gave recommendations for the elimination of the shortcomings found in the documentation and application procedures in line with national and international legal framework.

Concerning the outcomes of this visit, the Ministry of Justice will be requested.