Human rights activities of the commissioner for human rights in the Russian Federation: criminal procedural aspects

Introduction. This article examines the activities of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation in protecting the rights of participants in criminal proceedings. It examines the institutional and practical aspects of the ombudsman's work, his or her place within the system of state bodies, and key forms of human rights advocacy in criminal proceedings. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the powers of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation, including the consideration of complaints, conducting inspections, submitting motions and opinions, participating in court hearings, developing proposals for improving procedural legislation, and conducting educational activities. Materials and Methods. The research materials include doctrinal sources relevant to the topic of this study (dissertations and research articles), regulatory legal acts, and annual and special reports of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation. The research methodology is based on a dialectical method of inquiry, which allows us to consider the human rights activities of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation as a dynamic phenomenon, constantly evolving and interacting with elements of the state legal and political system. This method provides a comprehensive analysis of the forms of human rights activities. To achieve this goal, general and specific methods of scientific inquiry were used, including synthesis, analysis, induction, deduction, comparative legal analysis, and formal legal analysis. © Tarsheva M.N., 2025 Research Results. The analysis revealed the forms of the ombudsman's activities in protecting the rights of participants in criminal proceedings: reviewing complaints from participants in criminal proceedings; conducting verification activities; proactively protecting the rights of participants in criminal proceedings; submitting appeals (petitions, complaints, and opinions); participating in court proceedings; developing proposals for improving procedural legislation; educational activities; interregional and international cooperation, and interaction with civil society institutions in protecting the rights of persons involved in criminal proceedings. Conclusions. The activities of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Russian Federation in the area of ​​criminal procedure are an important mechanism for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. By reviewing complaints, conducting inspections, participating in court proceedings, and developing proposals and recommendations, the Ombudsman promotes the rule of law and fairness in criminal proceedings. Their work is aimed not only at restoring violated rights but also at creating the conditions for their effective protection in the future, making this institution an integral part of the Russian legal system.