Prosecutors’ skills in jury trials focus of OSCE training in Kazakhstan

BOROVOYE, Kazakhstan, 30 May 2013 - A two-day training seminar for prosecutors on jury trial procedures, organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, started today.

Some 30 regional prosecutors from across Kazakhstan are attending the seminar in Borovoye, near Astana. Leading Russian and local experts in criminal justice will share their expertise on practical aspects of jury trial proceedings with a special focus on the role of prosecutors. The prosecutors will also discuss ways of presenting cases in front of a jury clearly and convincingly with due respect to the principle of equality of arms.

“Promoting jury trials in criminal proceedings is an important step in upholding the fundamental human right to a fair trial in Kazakhstan. The OSCE Centre will continue to support efforts made by the law-enforcement authorities towards enhancing prosecutors’ skills and raising awareness of the human rights issues involved in such proceedings”, said Stefan Buchmayer, the Centre’s human dimension officer.

“Jury trials represent an important mechanism of increasing people’s trust in the judicial branch,” said Saltanat Tursynbekova, Director of the Institute of Prosecutor-General’s Office. “Seminars like this will help prosecutors prepare to present their case before a jury.”

The training is a part of the Centre's long-term co-operation with Kazakhstan's law enforcement agencies.