The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has participated in the implementation process of the Amnesty Act initiated by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As part of the implementation of the Amnesty Act, the Ombudsman visited Penitentiary Institution No. 4 and Correctional Facility for Juveniles under the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice.

In her speech, the Ombudsman stated that one of the key directions of the legal reforms implemented by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the field of protecting human rights and freedoms was the humanization of penal policy. She noted that these reforms are currently being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev, and that the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, also carries out extensive activities in this area. She emphasized that the application of the principles of humanism, mercy, and an individual approach in penal policy constitutes an important component of this policy in the country. The Ombudsman further highlighted that the institutions of pardon and amnesty serve as legal mechanisms for these principles, contributing to the strengthening of the rehabilitative nature of punishment and facilitating the reintegration of convicted persons into society as reformed individuals.

The Ombudsman congratulated the individuals covered by the amnesty act and their family members, emphasizing the importance of the social adaptation and reintegration into society of those released from penitentiary institutions, and called on them to make use of the opportunities provided.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman once again expressed her gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the initiative to declare the amnesty.

Later, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva gave an interview to media representatives.
On the Ombudsman’s instruction, staff of the Office also took part in the implementation of the amnesty act at other penitentiary institutions.

It should be noted that the Amnesty Act submitted to the Parliament by the President is expected to apply to more than 20,000 people in total. Of these, more than 5,000 convicted persons are expected to be released from imprisonment; the sentences of more than 3,000 persons sentenced to imprisonment will be reduced; over 7,000 convicted persons will be released from the penalty of restriction of liberty; nearly 4,000 convicted will be released from other penalties not related to deprivation of liberty or from conditionally imposed sentences; and more than 1,000 individuals are expected to be released from criminal liability.