National Preventive Group conducted monitoring at Baku Investigation

Upon the instructions of the Commissioner, the members of National Preventive Group (NPG) conducted ad-hoc visit to Baku investigation isolator of the Penitentiary Service under the Ministry of Justice without prior notice.

The purpose of this visit was to investigate received applications, general detention condition, treatment, received applications and state of ensuring the rights of detainees.

During the visit where a physician member of NPG also participated, nutrition, food provision, medical service, reception of applications and ensuring other rights, as well as treatment issues were investigated.

For investigating received applications and treatment issues a number of accused persons were interviewed in private. They didn’t complain about treatment abut expressed their discontent about investigation process of their cases. They were consulted on the raised issues like arrest, decriminalization of crimes and criminal and civil law relations.

They were explained their rights and requirements of relevant legislation and Ombudsman’s competences. Each of them was legally consulted on the issues they raised regarding the investigation process of their case during private interviews.

Documentation on each of them was examined, detainees were explained rights and requirements of the law, applications addressed to the Commissioner were received, some applications were solved on spot.

At the end of the visit, the discussions were held with management and responsible employees on improvement of detention conditions and ensuring detainees’ rights, relevant recommendations were given in compliance with the international and national legislations.

Relevant bodies will be urged with regard to the issues raised during the visit.