In connection with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the world, necessary preventive measures have been identified to protect public health and prevent the threat of a global pandemic under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev, in this regard special quarantine regime was announced, special attention was paid to the social isolation of citizens over the age of 65, who are at higher risk of contracting the virus. First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva appealed to people with special care and sensitivity and recommended strict adherence to the quarantine regime.
As part of the measures taken, 176 convicts over the age of 65 were released from the non-served part of their sentences by the Presidential Pardon Order dated 06.04.2020. In the current pandemic, the release of these individuals, whose infection could have more serious consequences, is an important humane step in terms of protecting their lives and health, especially in the care of their families.
In order to implement this Order, which was welcomed by the public, officials of the Ministry of Justice, including the Penitentiary Service, visited the penitentiaries where the released prisoners were detained, necessary operative documentation was carried out and timely and full implementation of this humane decision was ensured with the participation of numerous media and public representatives.
It was noted that taking into account the safety and health of prisoners, consistent, comprehensive medical and preventive measures are taken in penitentiaries, daily thermometry of prisoners, immediate examination of persons with any health problems and the necessary treatment is carried out.
According to the Operative Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers, taking into account the spread of the pandemic in different regions of the country and the fact that the pardoned people live in about 40 districts, the health status of family members will be investigated before visiting relatives. For this purpose, the released persons were placed in one of the two-week recreation centers and provided with all conditions, including food and medical care.
The pardoned people thanked the President for his compassion, humanity and special care, and expressed confidence that our people will soon get rid of this universal social scourge as a result of decisive measures taken by the will of the President.
At the same time, measures are being taken to introduce the institution of parole and transfer of convicts to another regime, which is another manifestation of the
humanist policy of our state. Taking into account the opinion of the relevant Commission of the Ministry of Justice, established to ensure transparency and efficiency in this area, the materials submitted to the courts were considered without delay, and in recent days about 60 prisoners were released early.
