BAKU, September 8
Citizens in Azerbaijan who cannot afford legal services may receive free legal aid funded by the state, covering both criminal and civil cases. Attorney Vusal Jafarov noted that under the Criminal Procedure Code, suspects and defendants without means are provided with state-appointed lawyers.
He added that Article 66.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses requires legal representation in cases involving minors, people with disabilities in speech, hearing or vision, and individuals held in administrative detention. If they cannot pay, the state covers the cost.
A similar safeguard exists in civil proceedings: Article 67-1.1 of the Civil Procedure Code mandates that when representation is compulsory but unaffordable, courts assign a lawyer at state expense based on a written request.
Jafarov explained that this applies to unemployed persons with severe disabilities, children with disabilities, victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, orphans and minors deprived of parental care, members of families receiving state social aid, registered unemployed citizens, and individuals with incomes well below the subsistence minimum. Applications are handled by district or city courts depending on the case.
Source: Bizim.Media
