The Ombudsman conducted the next visit within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism activities

The Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted visits to places where persons cannot leave on their own will without prior notification.

During the next visit conducted by the Ombudsman in accordance with the requirements of international and national legal norms, a number of accused persons, including Vardanyan Ruben Karlenovich, who was arrested while being held at the Lachin border crossing point on the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border, were interviewed in private. 

In the course of the visit conducted on October 3, 2023, the Ombudsman held a private meeting with Vardanyan Ruben Karlenovich, and his requests were answered on the spot. The situation regarding ensuring his rights in accordance with the legislation was monitored. 

He did not complain about his detention conditions and said that he underwent an initial medical examination and that he did not have any health problems. He was provided with the opportunity to have phone contact with a family member, receive a parcel, access the library, and access information. In addition, during the investigation period, the rights of the detained person are defended by the lawyer chosen by his family.

At the time of the visit held with the participation of members of the National Preventive Group for the prevention of torture, and experts specializing in medicine and psychology, he was provided with legislative acts, and informative publications regarding the Ombudsman's mandate and the direct contact details of the Call Center in his native language.

Within the framework of the visit, the conditions of detention, including personal hygiene and sanitation, medical services, and nutrition, were examined on the spot. It was determined that the rights of the detained persons, accessibility to information, and necessary medical and psychological services were ensured without any discrimination.