Two-year research project culminates with report on pre-trial detention in Kazakhstan

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) published an analytical report on judicial authorization of pre-trial detention in Kazakhstan on 5 May. The 56-page report presents the results of a research project carried out by ODIHR in 2009 and 2010. 

While the report welcomes the transfer of powers to remand suspects in custody from prosecutors to judges, it concludes that the reforms carried out to date are a necessary but insufficient step towards achieving full compliance with international standards in this area. The report also urges additional efforts to make pre-trial detention not a rule for most accused but rather an exception, in line with Kazakhstan’s international obligations.

The report contains recommendations for policy-makers and the judiciary that are aimed at advancing the reform of the existing procedure and ensuring that it is in line with human rights standards.

The project was carried out in co-operation with Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court.