Judicial and legal reform in Kazakhstan

Astana, 28 November 2008 (Khabar) - Member of Chamber of Lords of British Parliament, baroness Vivien Stern said in Astana judicial sanctioning of arrest, abolishment of capital punishment and joining the international Convention on prohibition of tortures became important steps of Kazakhstan in reforming judicial and criminal justice. Baroness Vivien Stern is an activist of non-governmental organization “International jail reform” and she stands for abolishment of capital punishment. In Astana she took part into press conference and met with Kairat Mami, chairman of Supreme Court of Kazakhstan. She says our republic advanced noticeably in reforming of judicial and legal system. Kazakhstan gradually realizes its international obligations. Kazakhstan’s joining the international Convention on prohibition of tortures will allow to toughen control of prisons and make national penitentiary system more open, stressed Vivien Stern.

Vivien Stern, member of Chamber of Lords of British Parliament:
- It means UN committee will be able to come to Kazakhstan and demand visiting any jail, police station or hospital where imprisoned people are kept. We see the way and progress of Kazakhstan and we can say it advanced much.

During the meeting with Kairat Mami Ms Stern was interested in results of introducing of jury in the republic. The British baroness says new institution must positively influence the quality of justice.