The Ombudsman has found that the treatment of persons deprived of liberty in five penitentiary institutions in the country approaches the standard of degrading treatment.
This is a flagrant violation of Albania's Constitution and international obligations. The findings are based on inspections of 18 prisons during 2025 and 115 complaint cases handled by the institution.
"When the state keeps prisoners in degrading conditions, it is not punishing them, but humiliating them. Closing these five institutions is a constitutional obligation," said the People's Advocate, Endrit Shabani.
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
5 prisons should be closed: Burrel, Kosova-Lushnjë, Kukës, “Mine Peza” (302), “Jordan Misja” (313).
65% overcrowding in Lezha Penitentiary, 181 prisoners above planned capacity.
The average stay in detention is 253 days, meaning more than 8 months in a cell without being convicted.
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿
In most institutions, convicts and detainees keep their clothes and personal belongings in plastic bags because there are no lockers. The doctor is present only four hours a day. Regional hospitals often refuse to treat prisoners for “security reasons.”
There is no specialized medical institution for people with mental health problems, although they are currently held at the Shën Kolli Penitentiary Institution.
During 2025, the Ombudsman handled 115 cases filed by prisoners and their families.
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In total, the penitentiary system is under capacity (5.029 prisoners and 5.747 places in total = 87%).
But the distribution is deeply unequal:
Lezha Prison: +65% (181 people over capacity)
IEVP "Jordan Misja": +11% (55 people)
Vlora Prison: +10% (16 people)
Fushë-Krujë Prison: +2,4% (9 people)
56,8% of the prison population is in pre-trial detention, meaning they are held in prison even though they have not yet been convicted. This is an indicator that violates the principle of the presumption of innocence.
𝗾𝗲̈ 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗷𝗲̈ 𝗲𝗿
The inspections found:
Deteriorated premises, without sufficient ventilation, lighting or heating.
Prisoners keeping their personal belongings in plastic bags because there are no lockers.
Lack of basic hygiene products and detergents for cleaning cells.
Non-functional heating and cooling systems, especially in extreme weather.
Lack of variety and insufficient quantity in food.
Limited opportunities for socio-cultural activities and rehabilitation.
Healthcare: response to emergencies, not continuous service
No full-time doctor in most prisons. Where there is a doctor, they only stay there 4 hours a day.
Lack of ambulances and difficulties in consulting with specialists.
Regional hospitals refuse treatment for "safety reasons."
Lack of dental services and basic medications.
No specialized institution for prisoners with mental health problems.
What does the Ombudsman require?
The Ombudsman requests the Government and the Ministry of Justice:
Reconsideration of detention policy. 56,8% unconvicted is an unacceptable figure in a country that claims to respect the presumption of innocence.
Immediate plan for healthcare in prisons, including the establishment of a specialized medical institution for prisoners with mental health problems.
Closure of the five identified prisons until their full reconstruction, and a national reassessment of the capacities of the penitentiary system.
