Make a complaint
A complaint states what happened, which body acted, and when.
Four ways to
At any communal office
A complaint may be made out loud. A clerk writes it down, reads it back, and issues a stamped receipt on the day. No writing by the complainant is required.
Through the public information system
No account, no registration, no application to install. The form asks what happened and issues a reference.
By letter
To the office at Lindoma or Cortius. Postage is free for correspondence with the Defender, and no form is prescribed.
Through another person
A relative, a neighbour, a union delegate, an association. A complaint lodged on behalf of another person is a complaint, and the Defender communicates with the person concerned at that person's request.
What to say
A complaint states what happened, approximately when, and which body acted. The right engaged may be stated where it is known to the complainant, and its identification is the task of the Defender. A complaint is never refused for citing the wrong article or none at all.
Any documents held may be furnished: letters, refusals, decisions, reference numbers, and the names of officers dealt with. A complaint proceeds without them, and Article 241 allows the Defender to require the documents from the body concerned.
Conditions
| It costs nothing | No fee at any stage, including the court proceedings the Defender may bring. |
| No other remedy first | There is no requirement to have appealed, asked, or complained elsewhere. |
| Any language of record | Including out loud, with interpretation arranged by the Defender at its own cost. |
| Protection of identity | The body complained of learns what happened. It learns the identity of the complainant only where the case cannot proceed otherwise, and then only with the agreement of the complainant. |
| Reprisal is void | It is void, it is grounds for reinstatement and reparation, and it is an offence. |
| Every complaint is answered | An answer with reasons is required. A refusal to investigate is stated in writing and is reviewable. |
Complainants in detention
Correspondence with the Defender is protected, and Article 49(5) admits of no suspension of the right to address the courts directly. The detention division visits unannounced and speaks with any detained person in private. Ask to speak with it at the next visit, or write, and the letter goes out unopened.