Penology in Albania
Penology in Albania – Overview
Penology, the study and practice of prison management and criminal punishment, in Albania reflects the country's evolving approach to criminal justice, shaped by its post-communist transition, European integration efforts, and ongoing human rights reforms.
1. Legal Framework
Governed by:
Albanian Criminal Code
Criminal Procedure Code
Law on the Execution of Criminal Decisions (No. 8328/1998, amended) – primary legislation on penitentiary administration
Law on the Rights and Treatment of Prisoners and Detainees (No. 9888/2008) – outlines the rights of inmates and prison procedures
Albania has committed to European standards, especially through its aspiration to join the European Union.
2. Structure of the Penal System
The Albanian penal system includes:
Pre-trial detention centers
Closed and semi-open prisons
High-security prisons for serious offenders
Juvenile and women’s institutions exist, but are few and under-resourced.
3. Types of Punishment
Incarceration remains the dominant form of punishment.
Other sanctions include:
Fines
Probation
House arrest
Community service (introduced more recently)
Life imprisonment is legal, but the death penalty is abolished (formally ended in 2007).
4. Prison Conditions and Challenges
Despite legal reforms, several issues persist:
Overcrowding in some facilities
Poor infrastructure and lack of modern medical services
Insufficient rehabilitation programs
Staff shortages and low training levels
Monitoring by the Ombudsman, Council of Europe, and Albanian Helsinki Committee has raised consistent concerns over detainee treatment.
5. Focus on Rehabilitation
Albania has adopted a gradual shift toward a rehabilitative model, especially under EU influence.
Efforts to promote education, vocational training, and reintegration programs
Probation Service of Albania, active since 2009, oversees alternative sentences and reintegration
6. International Oversight and Reforms
Albania cooperates with:
Council of Europe (CPT – Committee for the Prevention of Torture)
UN mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review
Ongoing reforms aim to align Albania with European Prison Rules (EPR) and human rights standards under the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights).
Summary
Penology in Albania is in a transitional phase—formally aligned with European human rights standards, but practically hindered by resource limitations, outdated infrastructure, and implementation gaps. The country is gradually shifting from punitive to rehabilitative justice, particularly with growing use of alternative sanctions.
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