Azerbaijani NPG members visit Armenian prisoners in Baku 

ArmInfo. Members of the National Preventive Group (NPG) under the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan conducted another visit to  the Baku pre-trial detention center-1 of the penitentiary service without prior notice, the Turan news agency reports.  

The report reads: 

"They [NPG members] received and listened to many prisoners,  including Armenian citizens, who were arrested on charges of  participating in terrorist and sabotage groups in the territories of  Azerbaijan liberated from occupation after the cessation of  hostilities on November 10, 2020. These persons were also presented  with legislative acts in their language concerning their rights, the  press service of the Ombudsman's office said.

"Representatives of the Ombudsman, among whom there was a qualified  doctor, examined the conditions of detention of prisoners - the  condition, size, lighting, ventilation of the cells. In addition, the  conditions of personal hygiene and sanitation, medical care, and  nutrition were checked.

"During the regular meetings, it was noted that the requirements of  the legislation are observed with respect to these persons, their  rights are ensured, the necessary medical and psychological  assistance is provided, leisure activities are effectively organized.

"In turn, the admitted persons reported that they had no complaints  about the conditions of detention, appeals, had access to telephone  communication, correspondence opportunities, access to media  information, medical services.

"The arrested persons also have access to books and information  materials in their own language, they are given the opportunity to  freely meet with representatives of the International Committee of  the Red Cross.

"It should be noted that in December 2020, more than 70 servicemen of  the Armenian Armed Forces were detained in the Hadrut district, who  illegally entered the territory of Azerbaijan after reaching a  ceasefire agreement on November 10.

"They were charged with illegally crossing the border and committing  other crimes. Those arrested were sentenced to various terms of  punishment. Some of them have already been released and handed over  to Armenia. However, about 30 people remain in custody."

After the 44-day war, Azerbaijan captured several dozen Armenian  servicemen and civilians and has since been keeping them in prisons  despite international conventions, as well as calls by the leaders of  a number of states and international agencies.