The oral examinations of the candidates to the position of judge were held on 31 July and 14 August 2007. Together with other human rights defenders, the Human Rights Center of Azerbaijan was invited to watch the examinations. The director of HRCA, Eldar Zeynalov (right) appreciated the exam conditions, however, he stressed the low level of literacy among some candidates, who passed the previous test and written examinations. (16-AUG-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/ HRH Baku on the basis of information from Human Rights Center of Azerbaijan, photos by Shahla Ismailova

Commenting the exams E. Zeynalov noted that the conditions of examination as well as positive atmosphere were appreciated. There were quite strong candidates, who showed the confidence and high qualification even at the middle of distance. However, the human rights defender was concerned by the low level of literacy of some candidates. “They have already passed the written and testing exams, have the high juridical education and several years of seniority, have passed special training, but nevertheless could not properly answer the easy questions”, said E.Zeynalov. He mentioned that the monitoring of three exams gave him a very string feeling of the necessity of careful training of the candidates as well as the importance of strengthening the anti-corruption measures in the educational institutions, particularly in the law faculties.

Zaliha-TahirovaZaliha Tahirova (right), the member of the Management Board of HRCA and “Amnesty International” also watched the exams. She appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of Justice and said that it is a difficlt, but very necessary work for the society improvement. “I hope that new judges will be fitting to their positions better than the existing ones”