Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for certain military personnel who are absent without authorization for more than one day, rather than more than three days. The bill would introduce fines as an alternative to detention and reduce some detention periods.
The Milli Majlis committee on legal policy and state building discussed the proposed changes to the Code of Administrative Offenses on Oct. 20, Report and APA reported. The penalties are proposals, not new rules already in force.
Fines as an Alternative to Detention
The proposal covers officers, warrant officers, naval warrant officers and extended-service military personnel. Leaving a unit or duty station without authorization, or failing to report on time without a valid reason, for more than one day but no more than 10 days would carry a fine of 200-300 manats (about $118-$176), or administrative detention for up to 15 days.
The existing provision described in the reports applies to absences of more than three days and allows detention for up to 20 days. The bill would therefore lower the threshold for liability while introducing a less severe alternative penalty.
A repeat offense within one year of the penalty decision taking effect would carry a fine of 300-500 manats (about $176-$294), or detention from 10 days to one month. The current sanction provides for detention from 15 days to one month.
Stronger Military Prosecutor Oversight
A separate set of amendments concerns prosecutorial supervision of administrative cases involving offenses against military service. Instead of a written notification alone, prosecutors would immediately receive copies of decisions and administrative offense reports.
The bill would provide for review of a refusal to open a case, or a decision to terminate proceedings, within 30 days of receipt. A prosecutor could overturn a decision found unlawful or unfounded. Requested case materials would have to be supplied within one day.
The reports did not specify an effective date for the changes. Dollar equivalents use the official exchange rate of 1.7 manats to the dollar.
Source: Vesti Baku.