Ombudsman conducted her next visit within the framework of National Preventive Mechanism activities

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva and the members of the Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group against Torture conducted visits to the detention places, which persons cannot leave at their own will, without prior notice.

During the next visit conducted within the National Preventive Mechanism activity on the basis of the requirements of national and international legal norms, including the OPCAT, the Ombudsman received in a private manner Vagif Khachatryan, who was arrested by the staff of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Lachin border checkpoint of the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on July 29, 2023.

During the visit, V. Khachatryan’s appeal was heard by the Ombudsman in the presence of the members of the National Preventive Group against Torture, including the physician and psychologist specialists. He expressed his satisfaction with the humane approach shown from the very first moment of the arrest and the quality medical care provided and mentioned that there’re positive changes in his health status. V. Khachatryan expressed his gratitude to the state of Azerbaijan for this all, as well as for his treatment, detention conditions, and the creation of the opportunity to contact his family.

Within the framework of the visit, the conditions of detention were examined, including matters related to personal hygiene and sanitation, healthcare services, and nutrition. It was established that the individual’s rights under national legislation and international instruments were respected, that necessary medical and psychological services were provided without discrimination, and that literature and informative materials were available in his ward.

V.Khachatryan was also given legislative acts and international tools in his own language related to appeal mechanisms on his rights and the educational print materials on how to apply to the Ombudsman and the Call Center 916.

The information, as well as video and photo materials about this individual received during the visit have also been sent to the relevant international organizations.