A delegation led by the President of the Supreme Court paid an official visit to the Czech Republic

On 16-17 May 2022, the delegation led by the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ramiz Rzayev participated in the 12th Conference of the Chief Justices of Central and Eastern Europe held in Prague, Czech Republic.

The main purpose of the annual conference was to exchange views on topics of common interest for the court presidents, to share experiences in resolving existing problems facing the courts.

The reports on various topics were heard at the event, which was attended by the Presidents of the Supreme Courts from many European countries. The President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ramiz Rzayev spoke at the conference on "Access to Justice".

The President of the Supreme Court noted that the changes in the legislation within the framework of reforms in the judicial system in our country, in particular, the shift to the written proceedings in the court of cassation, has made justice more accessible by eliminating the need for citizens from different regions of the country to come to the Supreme Court in the capital and sparing them from a number of costs, as well as prevented unnecessary delays in court proceedings. Speaking about the fundamental changes in the legislation governing the amount of court fees paid in court cases, the President of the Supreme Court said that avoiding a general increase in court fees in order not to impede access to justice, it was decided to differentiate them in proportion to the value of the claim.

At the same time, the conference participants were informed about the mediation institute established in our country, and it was noted that the lower limits of fees for mediation sessions than court fees have encouraged citizens to try to resolve their disputes out of court by alternative methods.

The President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan provided broad information to the participants about the procedure of selection of judges with high standards in Azerbaijan, increase in the number of judges, expansion of the use of the “Electronic Court” information system, measures taken towards creation of a unified judicial practice, provision of free legal aid to low-income individuals in cities and regions, as well as structural changes in the Supreme Court.

During the visit, the President of the Supreme Court held bilateral meetings and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.