The Ombudsman Artur Lastaev met with the staff of the Prosecutor's office and visited a correctional institution in the Abai region

      Artur Lastaev held a meeting with employees of the regional Prosecutor's office and other law enforcement agencies, where he discussed the situation with respect for human rights in the region.

      The Ombudsman noted that this year the reforms made it possible to legislatively strengthen the guarantees of respect for the rights of persons involved in the orbit of the criminal process: the investigation of torture was transferred to the prosecutor's office, ill-treatment was criminalized, responsibility for torture was tightened.

      Nevertheless, to this day, the issues of respect for the rights of persons in pre-trial proceedings and places of deprivation of liberty remain relevant. He stated that a third of the appeals received by the Commissioner's office are complaints about the actions of law enforcement agencies. Citizens are not satisfied with the quality and objectivity of the investigation, arbitrary, in their opinion, detentions.

      This event continued with a joint visit to the maximum security correctional institution in Semey, to which participants of the national preventive mechanism joined.

      The Ombudsman got acquainted with the conditions of detention of convicts, household and industrial facilities in this territory, examined medical offices and a disciplinary isolation ward. I held a reception separately, where I personally talked with the convicts. I checked the operation of electronic terminals for filing complaints and appeals.

      In conclusion, the Commissioner once again stressed the role of the national preventive mechanism in the prevention of torture, and the importance of close cooperation with civil society. He called on the Office of the Ombudsman and law enforcement agencies to join efforts to further ensure state guarantees for the protection of human rights and freedoms.