Claims of Rights Violations Arise Amid Stricter Checks at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center

Inmates at the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center (BİT) have voiced concerns about increased checks and possible violations of their rights to legal representation. Security rules became much tighter in late October. This happened after an electronic item was found with a male inmate. Prison officials say these steps are needed for security reasons. But, some insiders say the situation is being used to put pressure on those being held.

Structural Changes and Claims of Abuse

After the device was found, some staff changes were made. Major Shahriyar was made the new head of the investigation room. Also, a person named Ruslan replaced him as head of the meeting room. Sources say that Major Shahriyar still has control over both rooms. They say he is personally in charge of the controversial searches. People say that inmates who disagree with these checks are not allowed to meet with their lawyers.

Major Shahriyar controls both the investigation room and the meeting room. If a prisoner has a problem, he can keep bothering them in the meeting room.

Incidents with Journalists and Political Prisoners

On November 3, journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) was reportedly not allowed to meet her lawyer after she protested what she thought was an illegal search. Her family says that prison staff tried to check her court papers, which she disagreed with.

Sources claim that the current search methods break the law. A source explained, The law does not allow physical searches of prisoners who are going to meet a lawyer. It only allows checks with special devices. But, the guards here are doing manual pat-downs.

Insiders suggest that the prison administration is using the security problem as an excuse to target political prisoners and stop information from getting out. The source added, They say, 'We will tell our bosses that writings are being smuggled out, and we are stopping it.' This is a clear sign that the illegal activity will continue.

Worries About Female Inmates

Reports also show that female inmates are being searched in the administrative part of the meeting room instead of the regular investigation room. Sources give two possible reasons for this change:

Surveillance: Some think that the meeting rooms might have listening devices.

Legal Loopholes: Moving the search to the administrative building might be a way to try to legalize the process, since searches are normal when entering a building. But, sources point out that the violation of rights starts as soon as the inmate is taken from their cell to talk with a lawyer.