Week-ending 1 May 2020
Pandemic to be a factor in decisions concerning detentions – Russia’s Supreme Court
Russia’s Supreme Court has recommended to take into account quarantine measures introduced in temporary and pretrial detention facilities as a factor to influence court decisions on detentions, the Court’s materials on,specifics of proceedings amid the pandemic read. The Supreme Court reminds that according to the Criminal Code courts may order pretrial detention or extension of detention in minor crime cases only as an exception in view of specific circumstances defined by law; even then courts have discretion to meet or dismiss respective moves on the part of investigators.
Source: RAPSI, 30 April 2020
Russian Supreme Court advises against jailing people accused of minor offenses due to COVID-19 pandemic
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian Supreme Court has issued a recommendation advising judges to only detain people suspected or accused of non-serious crimes in exceptional cases. This recommendation appeared in a Supreme Court review of judicial practices, in connection with the implementation of legislation and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Meduza, 30 April 2020
