Large-scale reforms are being carried out in accordance with modern challenges under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, ruthless struggle against corruption, which is a dangerous social scourge, is being carried out, and the most severe measures are being taken to identify violations in the activity of the local and central executive bodies.
In this regard, the instructions given by the President at the meetings, especially the instructions given to law enforcement agencies were discussed at a meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Justice and special measures were identified, including video conferencing is held with the staff of subordinate agencies.
On May 23, Minister of Justice Fikrat Mammadov chaired a video conference with the participation of the leadership of the Penitentiary and Medical Services, heads of penitentiaries, as well as other relevant officials of the Ministry.
The Minister noted the comprehensive sustainable development of the country with the strong political will of the President Ilham Aliyev, the decisive measures taken against the global pandemic COVID-19 infection, told about the careful and sensitive attitude of the President and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva towards the people, measures aimed at the security, health and welfare of the population.
The meeting discussed the tasks arising from the President's instructions on the prevention of corruption, increasing transparency and citizen satisfaction, and gave firm instructions to eliminate the existing shortcomings and deficiencies.
He also spoke about the necessary disinfection, medical and other preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Justice against coronavirus infection in penitentiaries. It was noted that the vast majority of single prisoners infected with the virus have already recovered and are out of quarantine, all necessary preventive measures are being taken and the situation is under full control. The activities of a special monitoring group set up by the ministry, which includes representatives of civil society, were noted.
Noting the exceptional importance of the Presidential Decree dated February 10, 2017 on the improvement of activities in the penitentiary system and the humanization of penal policy, the works done in this area were touched upon. As a manifestation of the President's humanist policy, 176 prisoners over the age of 65 were released by the Amnesty Order signed on April 6.
It was also noted that the institution of parole was widely used during the pandemic, 624 prisoners were released, and 310 detainees were released under house arrest and other alternative measures of restraint.
The Minister noted that the activities of the penitentiary service should be organized in accordance with the instructions of the President, and the existing shortcomings and defects in this area should be eliminated. He noted that some employees were negligent in the performance of their duties, committed violations that created conditions for corruption, which caused dissatisfaction and complaints.
In this regard, about 470 employees of the Penitentiary Service have been disciplined in the last two years for abuse, violations that cause legitimate dissatisfaction of citizens, as well as corruption, 40 of them were dismissed or discharged from the judiciary, materials about 2 persons have been submitted for investigation.
The meeting stressed the need to guide the requirements of the President on the principles of honesty, transparency, justice, public service and the rule of law in the activities of each employee. It was stated that the main task of every employee is to adhere to the rule of law, the rules of ethical conduct, to build a healthy relationship between citizens and officials, to always treat people's appeals with care and sensitivity.
At the same time, it was noted that actions that damage the name and reputation of a justice worker are inadmissible, employees who do not produce the desired results and do not make a turn in their work have no place in the penitentiary system and the most serious measures will be taken against violations.
The Minister also called on the heads of penitentiary services and subordinate institutions to ensure the rights of prisoners and accused persons more reliably, to follow the rules of the regime strictly, to strengthen educational work, discipline, security and protection measures.
At the same time, specific instructions were given to increase the efficiency of the work of penitentiary and medical services, improve staffing, increase the professionalism and sense of responsibility of employees, increase effective control over the activities of subordinate agencies. The instructions of the President to strengthen transparency and public control in the fight against corruption were brought into attention.
