'On police' law of Azerbaijan undergoes changes

Azerbaijan is making amendments to the rules on treatment of detainees and prisoners by police.

Azerbaijani Parliament told that annexes and amendments to paragraph #5 of article 23 of the law “On police” will be put up for discussion.

According to the draft law, immediately upon detainees and prisoners are taken to the detention facility their close relatives and other persons having legitimate interests should be informed about their detention and address by telephone or other means. Detained or arrested person should provide information on her/his own initiative, except when s/he is of advanced age, minor, and has mental problems. If a detained or arrested person is an alien or stateless person, diplomatic mission of a country, where s/he has citizenship or permanent residence, in Azerbaijan, consulate, national or international organization patronizing her/him should be informed immediately and it should be registered.

Valid paragraph of the article envisages that close relatives, her/his work and education places (at her/his request) should be immediately informed. (Heads of detention facilities should provide information on their own initiatives if detained or arrested person is of advanced age, minor, and has mental problems).

The draft law will be discussed at the plenary session of Azerbaijani Parliament on December 27.


/APA/