The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has taken part in the implementation process of the Amnesty Act initiated by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
As part of the implementation measures, the Ombudsman visited Penitentiary Institution No. 4 and the Correctional Facility for Juveniles operating under the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice. During her address, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva emphasized that one of the key directions of the legal reforms introduced by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the field of human rights protection was the humanization of penal policy.
She noted that these reforms are being successfully continued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, with significant contributions also made by the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, particularly in advancing humane approaches within the justice system.
The Ombudsman underscored that the application of the principles of humanism, mercy, and an individual approach in penal policy constitutes an essential component of Azerbaijan’s legal framework. She highlighted that the institutions of pardon and amnesty function as vital legal mechanisms that strengthen the rehabilitative nature of punishment and promote the reintegration of convicted persons into society as reformed and socially responsible individuals.
Congratulating those covered by the Amnesty Act and their family members, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva stressed the importance of social adaptation and successful reintegration into society for individuals released from penitentiary institutions. She called on beneficiaries of the amnesty to make constructive use of the opportunities provided to them.
In conclusion, the Ombudsman expressed her gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for initiating the Amnesty Act, recognizing it as a significant step toward reinforcing human rights protections and humanitarian values within the penal system.
Following the visit, Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva gave an interview to media representatives. On her instruction, staff members of the Ombudsman’s Office also participated in the implementation of the Amnesty Act across other penitentiary institutions.
It is noteworthy that the Amnesty Act submitted to Parliament by the President is expected to apply to more than 20,000 individuals. Of these, over 5,000 convicted persons are expected to be released from imprisonment; sentences of more than 3,000 prisoners will be reduced; over 7,000 individuals will be released from the penalty of restriction of liberty; nearly 4,000 persons will be released from other non-custodial penalties or conditionally imposed sentences; and more than 1,000 individuals are expected to be released from criminal liability.
