OSCE Centre organizes seminar to improve criminal process standards in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 16 December 2008 - Improving the handing of criminal cases through more effective co-operation between law enforcement and judicial bodies and the proper use of evidence was the focus of a seminar organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek today.

More than 20 participants from state, law enforcement, judicial bodies and international agencies discussed criminal process management and offered recommendations on ways to ensure better use of evidence and observe human rights during court trials.

"The OSCE Centre has invested substantial resources to enhance the forensic capacity of the Interior Ministry. This seminar aimed to raise the knowledge and understanding of modern forensic science and working methods among the courts and prosecutors, which is equally important," said Knut Dreyer, the OSCE Centre's Police Reform Adviser.

Leila Sydykova, a Member of Parliament who took part in the seminar, added: "This seminar helped create awareness about problems in law enforcement reform, and laid the basis for enhanced interaction between law enforcement and judicial institutions to better protect the rights and interests of citizens".

The seminar was part of the OSCE Centre's Police Reform Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Kyrgyz Police and ensure that human rights are observed during police investigations.