- 23 47.
The CPT considers that the electronic recording of police interrogations represents another
important safeguard for detainees, as well as offering advantages for the police. However, its
delegation was informed that such a system is not currently used in Greece.
The CPT recommends that the Greek authorities explore the possibility of introducing
an electronic recording system for police interrogations. The system should offer all
appropriate guarantees (for example, the detainee's consent; the use of two tapes, one of
which would be sealed in the presence of the detainee and the other used as a working copy).
48.
As already indicated (cf. paragraph 14), a detainee may remain on police premises for
several days while awaiting a judicial decision on his release or remand in custody. However, all
police officers spoken to stated that once the detainee had been brought before the public
prosecutor, their power to question him ceased (further questioning being carried out by the public
prosecutor or the competent judge).
The CPT would like to receive confirmation of this position and to be informed
whether the rule against further questioning by the police covers questions about other
matters falling outside the scope of the charges already laid against the detainee.
g.
supervision by the judicial authorities
49.
It is emphasised in the report sent to the CPT by the Ministry of Public Order that police
investigations are carried out under the direction and supervision of the public prosecutor's office.
In this context, the CPT considers that regular visits by the competent judicial authorities to places
of detention for which the police are responsible could make a significant contribution to the
prevention of ill-treatment. The CPT would like to know whether the competent judicial
authorities (in particular, public prosecutors) do in fact exercise such on-the-spot supervision
of places of detention.
h.
persons detained under the Aliens legislation
50.
As will become apparent from subsequent paragraphs, a significant number of the detainees
encountered by the CPT's delegation in police establishments were being held under the Aliens
legislation. The CPT would like to emphasise that the recommendations set out in this section
of its report also apply to such persons.
51.
The CPT would also like to receive information on the formal safeguards and practical
arrangements which exist in order to ensure that aliens are not sent to a country where they
run a risk of being subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
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