On a day of amnesty, outside the walls of Rrogozhinë prison, hundreds of families gathered to welcome their loved ones, now free. Among them were those who had been convicted since their release, yet even in their joy, they didn't forget to greet their fellow inmates.
 |
| Some prisoners leaving Rrogozhina prison |
Rrogozhinë's ordinary security prison saw the highest number of releases, with a total of 183 inmates set free. Mostly for minor offenses carrying sentences of up to 4 years, the prison was also visited by Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja, who had a message for all those who were liberated.
"I wish for you to return to everyday life, to return to honest work, and not to look back. Return to normal life because above all, there is family, but also our society, which has paid for this mistake we have made," said Manja.
The Minister also responded once again to accusations from the Democratic Party, stating that no high-ranking official convicted by the Supreme Court of Justice has benefited from the amnesty. He added that the amnesty saves the state budget around 30 million euros.
"No high-ranking official who is found serving a sentence because they have been convicted by the Supreme Court of Justice or are under investigation or trial benefits from this amnesty. The number of reduced sentences is minimal, ordinary employees who benefit from the amnesty with reduced sentences are released. There are no high-ranking officials benefiting from the amnesty," added Manja.
In total, 780 convicts were released, while 800 others received reduced sentences. A total of 15 women and three minors left the prison cells today.
The amnesty also benefited 2,662 individuals who are in probation. But the Minister added that the figure may change due to the completion of procedures in the country's police stations.