National Preventive Group conducted visit to Baku Pre-Trial Detention Facility

Members of National Preventive Group (NPG) carried out the next visit to Baku Pre-Trial Detention Facility under the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice without prior notice upon the instruction of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Elmira Suleymanova.

The visit was organized on the basis of the requirements of the OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The aim of the visit was to investigate the conditions of detention and treatment issues in the facility, the status of ensuring the rights of detained persons in compliance with the internal disciplinary rules and international standards, as well as the appeals addressed to the Ombudsman.

During the visit, which was also attended by the physician-member of the NPG, numerous accused persons were received confidentially in that facility; their appeals and the raised issues were investigated and several appeals were ensured on the spot.

Ikram Rahimov, about whom the information on hunger strike was disseminated, was received by NPG members within the framework of the visit, and his appeal was heard.

I.Rahimov reported that he had started hunger strike to protest the conduct of criminal case in court proceeding and lodged an application to the Ombudsman for rendering assistance accordingly. He has been placed in medical-sanitary unit of the facility, and his health status is under the medical control. I.Rahimov’s application was addressed to Baku Court of Appeal by the Ombudsman to be taken into consideration.

NPG members held discussions with the administration of the facility with respect to effectively ensuring the rights of detainees and made relevant recommendations.

Authorized bodies will be applied regarding the outcome of the visit and other applications received.