The visits to penitentiary institutions have been continued within the framework of the Ombudsman's National Preventive Mechanism

Within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, the members of the National Preventive Group (NPG) made scheduled visits to penitentiary institutions No. 1, 7, and 8 of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice without prior notice.

The purpose of the visits conducted according to the requirements of the OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan was to monitor conditions of detention and treatment issues, as well as to investigate the incoming applications, ensuring the rights of convicts and the state of proper documentation, as well as to follow-up on their recommendations.

In the course of the visits, in which a doctor member of the NPG also participated, the facilities' dormitories, punishment cells, medical and sanitary units, canteens, food warehouses, and kitchens were inspected in order to monitor the conditions of detention. In addition, the organization of medical assistance, food and nutrition supply, and the status of ensuring the rights to visitation, phone calls, and documentation were examined.

Also, the NPG members had confidentially interviewed the detainees in those institutions and informed  them of their rights, the requirements of the relevant legislation, and the compteneces of the Ombudsman. A number of requests were investigated and satisfied on the spot.

In the end, discussions were held with the management of penal institutions and the employees in charge on the detention conditions and the implementation of the rights of prisoners, and relevant recommendations were provided based on national and international legislation.