Ombudsman reports 158 complaints of pressure on detained persons in October

In October 2024, the Ombudsman’s Office received 158 complaints about mental, psychological, physical, or other forms of pressure allegedly exerted by law enforcement officers on individuals detained in facilities housing persons with restricted freedom of movement. This information was shared during a briefing by Fatima Madrahimova, the head of the press service for the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis.

According to the Ombudsman’s findings, higher prosecutors overturned decisions to refuse criminal proceedings in 14 complaints, resulting in additional pre-investigation actions. Of the total complaints, 52 were unsubstantiated based on service inspections and preliminary investigations conducted by prosecutors. Investigations are ongoing for 62 of the complaints.

In response to verified incidents, disciplinary measures were imposed on 10 employees, and three cases resulted in criminal charges against employees under relevant articles of the Criminal Code.

"15 social media posts regarding alleged abuses were reviewed. The Ombudsman’s office issued 14 responses to these posts and submitted 12 official requests to relevant ministries and departments for further action," Madrahimova also noted.

As part of a broader accountability initiative, 56 employees in closed institutions received official reprimands, two were fined, and three had their employment contracts terminated.

It is noteworthy that earlier this year, in the first half of 2024, 50 employees in similar institutions were dismissed, two were held administratively liable, and three had their contracts terminated following similar complaints.