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The Public Prosecution Presidency emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of suspects during interrogations.
In a circular addressed to the first general prosecutor at the Court of Cassation and the public prosecutors at the appeals and primary courts, the presidency underscored the vital role of public prosecutors in dealing with suspects. It highlighted that interrogation represents the first direct contact for suspects with the judiciary and requires a balance between the rights of the suspects and those of the victims and society.
The circular noted that Law No. 03.23, which amends and supplements the Criminal Procedure Code, introduced significant changes to interrogation provisions and added new articles aimed at enhancing the legal safeguards for suspects and strengthening their right to defense. In this context, the presidency urged ensuring that suspects fully enjoy their rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to contact a lawyer, and the guarantees surrounding the integrity of records and conditions of detention. It also stressed the need to interrogate suspects after confirming their identities and informing them of their rights, providing interpreters when necessary, and ensuring a humane approach, especially with children and victims from vulnerable groups, while drafting comprehensive records that justify decisions made and conducting medical examinations when necessary.
The presidency clarified the importance of making appropriate decisions regarding suspects, taking into consideration the character of the accused and the seriousness of the crime, and activating alternatives to public prosecution such as restorative justice and judicial supervision. It called for the organized presentation of suspects with efficiency, rationalizing their presentation whether in custody or under judicial supervision, ensuring suitable conditions during detention, separating minors from adults, and efficiently utilizing judicial time to avoid delays in referring cases to the competent authorities.
The Public Prosecution Presidency confirmed that the aim of these guidelines is to enhance the image of the prosecution before the parties involved in disputes, ensure the rights of defense, and solidify constitutional protections for rights and freedoms. It called on all judges to adhere strictly to these guidelines and to properly apply the law while consulting the presidency when facing any difficulties in implementation.
