E/CN.4/2004/56/Add.3
page 4
5.
According to the Government, on 9 March 2001, Order No. 02/47 on the procedural
conduct of pre-trial investigations by a procurator, and on increased supervision of pre-trial
investigations and initial inquiries, was signed. In accordance with the Order, all subordinates of
procurators have been instructed, among other things, to monitor daily the legality of holding
citizens in temporary detention facilities while the court considers requests for remand in
custody; to meet personally with the accused or the suspect and verify whether his or her right to
a defence has been violated; and, if it is found that a citizen’s rights have been violated by the
investigator or person carrying out the initial inquiry, to take the necessary steps to redress such
violations.
6.
Recommendation (c) stated: Magistrates and judges, like prosecutors, should always
ask a person brought from police custody how they have been treated and be particularly
attentive to their condition.
7.
Recommendation (d) stated: Where there is credible evidence that a person has been
subjected to torture or similar ill-treatment, adequate compensation should be paid
promptly; a system should be put in place to this end.
8.
Recommendation (e) stated: Confessions made by a person under police detention
without the presence of a lawyer should not be admissible as evidence against the person.
9.
The Special Rapporteur has been informed that in accordance with the Code of Criminal
Procedure of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which entered into force in September 2000, the
counsel for the defence has the right to be present when a suspect or an accused person is
searched or arrested. The inadmissibility of the use of confiscated items as evidence when the
aforementioned right is violated is upheld by the law, and executive bodies, including the police,
are guided by this principle.
10.
Recommendation (f) stated: Given the numerous reports of inadequate legal counsel
provided by State-appointed lawyers, measures should be taken to improve legal aid
services.
11.
Recommendation (g) stated: Video and audio taping of proceedings in police
interrogation rooms should be considered.
12.
The Government reported that Azerbaijan’s criminal procedure legislation provides for
the possibility of making audio and other recordings, taking photographs, making video
recordings or films, or using other kinds of photography during proceedings. These provisions
are observed by executive bodies.
13.
Recommendation (h) stated: Given the numerous situations in which persons
deprived of their liberty were not aware of their rights, public awareness campaigns on
basic human rights, in particular on police powers, should be considered.
14.
Recommendation (i) stated: The Government should give urgent consideration to
discontinuing the use of the detention centre of the Ministry of National Security,
preferably for all purposes, or at least reducing its status to that of a temporary detention
facility.