NPM conducted preventive visits to Penitentiary Institutions

According to the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, ad-hoc visits were paid to Baku Investigation Isolator and Specialized Treatment Institution of the Ministry of Justice Penitentiary Service within the frames of the National Preventive Mechanism functions.

The objective of these visits conducted on the basis of the requirements of OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman, was to assess on the spot the detention conditions, treatment issues, nutrition, medical service and ensuring the other rights of detainees.

In the course of the visit to Baku Investigation Isolator, a number of accused persons, held in the facility, including Fuad Gahramanli, Mammad Ibrahim, Asif Yusifli, Bakhtiyar Imanov, Ayaz Maharramov, Telman Seyfullayev, Seymur Ahmedov, Ismayil Hasanov, Farid Abadov, Jeyhun Novruzov, Mahabbat Naghiyev have been confidentially interviewed and their requests were heard.

But during the monitoring of the Specialized Treatment Institution, the NPM members in confidential questioned the persons detained in this facility, namely Mehdi Ibrahimov, Nijad Ibrahim, Nijat Alizade, Mahammad Imanli and Vugar Veliyev and received their requests as well.

During the talks, the interviewed accused persons did not complain about the condition and treatment in the facility and each of them was given legal advice on the issues related to the investigation proceedings. Only Mehdi Ibrahimov expressed his dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted against him, said he would refuse to eat, and expressed his concerns about own health.

This should be noted that as a result of the follow-up visits, the access to medical service for 24 hours and psychological consultations have been provided in the facility.  All detainees interviewed have been explained their rights and the requirements of the relevant legislation.

At the time of the visits, some additional issues related to the detention conditions and their ensuring have been discussed with the facility administration. Also, the appeals addressed to the Ombudsman have been received and some of the requests have been provided on site.