Înapoi Judges, prosecutors and investigators in Azerbaijan trained further in processing money laundering cases

Judges, prosecutors and investigators in Azerbaijan trained further in processing money laundering cases

Effectively addressing money laundering and confiscating criminal proceeds was the focus of the two-day workshop organised for judges, investigators, prosecutors, and financial intelligence practitioners. This workshop supports the training programme for judges and prosecutors at the request of the Academy of Justice of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan. It underpins national authorities in preventing and combatting money laundering, thereby also contributing to the ongoing judicial reforms in the country. These interventions notably complement the country’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the judicial system.

The role of domestic cooperation between law enforcement, financial intelligence, and the judiciary, and the importance of respecting safeguards in compliance with the core principles of the European Convention on Human Rights as crucial elements of criminal investigations and judicial proceedings were highlighted during the workshop.

Participants shared their experiences and views on the challenges faced during the prosecution and processing of money laundering offences and confiscation of proceeds linked with different forms of financial crimes. Discussions and practical exercises on evidence collection and analysis, prosecution, and reasoning of court decisions in money laundering cases were part of the training.

Fictional scenarios based on the local and international realities equipped the Azerbaijani delegates with adequate strategies and mechanisms to tackle money laundering better, leading to a more effective recovery of assets driven by criminal activities. Mechanisms for effective freezing, seizure and confiscation were discussed as tools to deter illegal activities, depriving criminals of illicit profits. Furthermore, the importance of beneficial ownership transparency was highlighted as an ultimate measure which is becoming significant internationally within the global fight against economic crime.


This event is part of the of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project "Preventing and fighting economic crime in Azerbaijan”.

Baku, Azerbaijan 18-19 September 2023
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Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, 1-2 July 2024
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Addressing hate speech and hate crime: regional gathering of the network of Equality Bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership Region

A two-day workshop on addressing hate speech and hate crime took place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, involving Equality bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership regions.  The event supported by the EU and Council of Europe, gathered 50 representatives from both regions who discussed and exchanged on the best practices, measures and common challenges when addressing hate speech and hate crime. Through monitoring and reporting, policy advocacy, raising awareness and supporting victims equality bodies play a fundamental role in protecting human rights and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally.

In her opening remarks, Angela Longo, Head of Anti-discrimination Co-operation Unit, Council of Europe, underlined the significant progress in engaging with Equality Bodies through this network, regularly exchanging best practices and addressing the challenges of hatred and intolerance in societies. She highlighted that this new chapter of discussion delves into the grey area between hate speech and hate crime, addressing issues of incitement and biases,

Representatives from Equality Bodies had the opportunity to discuss and enhance their knowledge on the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Recommendation to member States on combating hate crime, adopted on 7th May 2024, as well as gain a clearer understanding of EU standards in the field of hate crime. Moreover, participants engaged in exchanges with peers from the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), who shared insights on addressing hate speech in the public discourse. The National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) in Italy provided practical examples for developing counter-narratives and raising awareness initiatives.

They also explored opportunities to advocate for legislative reform, foster multisectoral co-operation, enhance data collection, and overall improve national mechanisms to counter hate crimes.

This seminar was organised within the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans” and the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies” – co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe  under the joint Programmes “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and “Partnership for Good Governance”.

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