NPM members of the Ombudsman conducted a visit to Penitentiary Service Pre-Trial Facility No. 2

According to the instructions of the Commissioner for  Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the members of the National Preventive Group conducted an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Justice Penitentiary Service Investigation Isolator No. 2 without prior notice.

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the status of ensuring the rights and treatment of female detainees and juveniles and COVID-19 preventive measures undertaken in this facility. During the visit in the isolator, the units where women and juveniles are being held were inspected and the general situation was evaluated.

While monitoring the unit for female detainees it was found that the detention condition was in line with disciplinary rules and in sanitary and hygienic rules. Also, it was observed that given that there was a women detainee with a minor dependent, she was provided with all necessary care and equipment.

The cells of the juveniles were also monitored but it was found that those units were in the need of improving the conditions. During the meetings with the accused persons, they were explained in detail, the mandate of the Ombudsman and NPM, the procedures of applying to the Ombudsman, as well as the rights of such category of persons under criminal procedural legislation.

During the visit, it was recommended to continue carrying out the measures in accordance with the instructions of the World Health Organization and the rules of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers in order to further improve the conditions of detention, the conditions of minors, as well as to prevent the infection of detainees and employees with COVID-19.