Rules on the conduct of police interrogations have come into force in the wake of reforms introduced in November on legal assistance to accused persons or suspects.  

The rules were agreed between the police and the Chamber of Advocates and are aimed at strengthening the rights of people under interrogation without hindering police investigations, the Ministry of Home Affairs said. 

The rules establish the procedure for a lawyer of the suspect's choice to be called.

People who are about to be interrogated can communicate with a lawyer for an hour, in person or over the phone.

Lawyers have up to two hours to attend and give advice. A legal aid lawyer will be called when the lawyer of the suspect's choice is unavailable or the suspect does not have a lawyer.

The lawyer may not interrupt those conducting the interrogation, nor answer on behalf of the suspect. The lawyer may not stop the suspect from replying, or in any way interrupt or obstruct the interrogation. 

The person conducting the investigation may warn the lawyer if he feels that his behaviour is hindering the investigation. If such behaviour persists, the lawyer may be asked to leave. A substitute lawyer would then be called.  

Any lawyer who feels that there were irregularities during interrogation may report in writing to the duty magistrate within 24 hours.

The magistrate would then enquire and act accordingly. 

The regulations lay down that interrogations have to be conducted in appropriate interrogation rooms which are well it and ventilated and equipped with recording equipment.