Scores of law enforcers punished over violations

487 employees of interior bodies have been punished over maltreatment and violations of human rights and civil liberties in 2005-2006. 32 of these persons were held criminally accountable and 31 others demoted, Deputy Interior Minister Oruj Zalov said.

The ranks of six law enforcers responsible for irregularities were downgraded, while 81 were barred from working in interior bodies and 337 faced other forms of punitive action, Zalov said.

The deputy minister added that 55 crimes related to violations of human rights and freedoms were registered in January-September 2006.*