Recent analysis of the prison system in Albania, as discussed on Money, a program on Euronews Albania, has shed light on concerning trends. The aftermath of amnesties not only alleviates overcrowding in isolation cells but also impacts the financial burden on society. The cost per inmate has surged from 25 euros to 30 euros per day, totaling a staggering 900 euros per month or 10,800 euros per year per prisoner. With the current capacity of institutions, this translates to a daily expense of 160,000 euros or a yearly burden of 59 million euros on society.
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| Prisoners in a Tirana prison outside for air |
Erida Skëndaj, the director of the Helsinki Committee, highlighted the judiciary's inclination towards incarceration over alternative security measures, such as house arrest or bail, which could ease the strain on prisons and reduce financial and human costs. Similarly, Erinda Ballanca, the People's Advocate, emphasized the alarming number of individuals serving life sentences in Albania and stressed the need for rehabilitation methods to address this issue effectively.
However, amidst these concerns, there seems to be a push for the expansion of the prison system, including the establishment of private prisons. Despite regulations outlining their operation and eligibility criteria for inmates, private prison facilities remain merely theoretical, with no concrete initiatives proposed over the past five years.
Skëndaj expressed skepticism regarding the viability of private prisons, citing socioeconomic disparities among inmates and questioning the sustainability of such facilities. Moreover, Ballanca criticized the notion of private prisons, highlighting their prevalence in the Americas and their failure to meet European standards overseen by the Council of Europe.
Julian Mërtiri, a lawyer, advocated for the creation of new prisons, whether private or state-owned, within the framework of existing laws. He emphasized the need for legislative discourse on this matter to address the root causes of criminal behavior effectively.
Examining the demographics of Albania's prison population reveals a troubling trend. The majority of inmates are relatively young, with the 30-40 age group being dominant. Furthermore, Albania stands out in Europe for its low percentage of female inmates, comprising only 1.3% of the total incarcerated population, ranking second lowest in Europe.
These revelations paint a concerning picture of Albania's prison system, with some interest groups seemingly pushing for full prisons despite the associated financial and societal costs. The emphasis on incarceration over rehabilitation raises questions about the effectiveness of current approaches to criminal justice in Albania. As discussions continue, it is imperative to prioritize solutions that prioritize rehabilitation and address the root causes of criminal behavior to foster a safer and more just society for all Albanians.