AKIPRESS.COM - A two-day training course on effective investigation of cases of torture conducted by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in co-operation with the General Prosecutor’s Office and its Prosecutors’ Training Centre was held in Bishkek from July 11-12.

Twenty-four public prosecution officers from Chui, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Talas and Osh regions had a chance to enhance their knowledge of the notion of “torture” as a criminal offence and the criteria for efficient investigation of torture allegations. The participants also received a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms of prevention of gender-based violence and the specifics of victim assistance.

“According to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, human rights and fundamental freedoms have supreme value. No one may be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In this regard, prevention of torture and effective investigation of torture allegations represent one of the key priorities in the work of the prosecutorial bodies,” said Damira Kaimova, Director of the Prosecutors’ Training Centre under the General Prosecutor’s Office.

The training elicited a vigorous debate among the participants on the challenges arising during investigation of torture allegations. The attendees also exchanged best practices applied within their respective duty stations to address these challenges.

The training course is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on promoting a comprehensive approach to the rule of law, administration of justice, prevention of torture and capacity building.