The Committee on Law and Order, Combating Crime, and Anti-Corruption of the Jogorku Kenesh has approved amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Law "On the Procedure and Conditions for Detention of Persons Suspected and Accused of Committing Crimes."
The bill's initiator, deputy Dastan Bekeshev, noted that the document was developed to facilitate access to information for participants in criminal proceedings who have vision problems and to create conditions for the accessibility of justice.
The draft law proposes to introduce an additional participant in the criminal proceedings who can qualitatively provide services as an assistant for their visually impaired person.
"Five years ago, we ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. After that, the government was supposed to submit draft laws to us, but they are not there. People with disabilities should have their rights preserved, conditions need to be created for them. For example, during criminal proceedings, blind and visually impaired people face a number of difficulties. This could be a victim or a suspect. They need a person who will read the case materials. You can hire a social worker or another competent person who will assist and temporarily help during the judicial process. Because many lawyers say, 'I know what to do myself,' and do not fully acquaint with the case materials," said Dastan Bekeshev.
He added that conditions need to be created for the visually impaired individuals who are in pre-trial detention.
"For example, those in pre-trial detention have the right to read books, but people with poor vision will not be able to read. Therefore, I write that they should be provided with equipment, a tape recorder, or an audio player. Or there is a special library, books can be ordered from there," the deputy said.
Following the discussion, the deputies approved the bill in the first reading.
