Training seminar series for defence lawyers on new criminal procedure legislation in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported series of two-day training seminars defence lawyers, aimed at enhancing their understanding as well as common interpretation and implementation of the new criminal procedure legislation concluded in Aktau, Kazakhstan on 26 November 2016.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the National Bar Association and the Almaty Bar Association for lawyers from the Aktobe, Atyrau, Mangistau and West Kazakhstan Regions. Previous training seminars were held this summer in Astana and Almaty.  Presentations by national experts focused on new approaches and methods of legal protection, the legal institute of investigative judges in criminal proceedings, international guarantees for lawyers’ legal security, collection of evidence, and the questioning of witnesses. The interaction of lawyers with citizens, officials conducting criminal proceedings, the role of media and social networks were also discussed.

Special emphasis was placed on new information technologies, e-government, relevant ethical and professional requirements as well as national and international standards and best practices.

The series, which benefitted some 100 defence lawyers, is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support judicial reform in the host country.