Prisons in Albania

Communist era prison in Gjirokastër

Prisons in Albania are divided into three levels: closed, semi-open, and open. A difference is made between ordinary closed prisons and high security prisons. Most Albanian prisons have separate blocks (wings) for women and children (juveniles), while others keep women and children together.

As in other countries, prisoners in Albania are separated into remanded prisoners (in pre-trial detention) and convicted prisoners (whose sentences are being executed). [1] Prisons in Albania are managed by the General Directorate of Prisons. The country has 22 prisons, 1 prison hospital, and 1 juvenile institute, which have a total capacity of 6,284 inmates.[1]

History

The evolution of the prison system in Albania reflects the country's political and social transformations over the decades.

Early Developments (Pre-Communist Era) Before the establishment of the communist regime, Albania's penal system was rudimentary, with limited infrastructure and resources. Prisons were primarily used for detaining individuals accused of crimes, with little emphasis on rehabilitation or human rights.

Communist Era (1946–1991) Under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, the prison system underwent significant expansion and militarization. Prisons became instruments of political repression, with thousands of individuals imprisoned for perceived opposition to the regime. Notable facilities from this period include:

- Spaç Prison: Established in 1968, Spaç was a notorious labor camp where political prisoners were subjected to forced labor and harsh conditions. It remained operational until 1991. - Tepelenë Internment Camp: Operated from 1949 to 1954, this camp housed families of political dissidents and individuals deemed enemies of the state. Conditions were dire, leading to high mortality rates among internees, including children. - Burrel Prison: Opened in 1938 and later expanded, Burrel became known for detaining intellectuals, religious figures, and political opponents. It was notorious for its severe conditions and the long sentences imposed on inmates.

These institutions were part of a broader network of over 100 prisons and labor camps across the country, managed by the Sigurimi (State Security), which played a central role in maintaining the regime's control.[2][3][4]

Prisons

1. IEVP stands for "Institute of Executing Penal Decisions" (Albanian: Institucioni i Ekzekutimit të Vendimeve Penale)
2. IM stands for "Institute of Juveniles" (Albanian: Instituti i të Miturve)

No. Prison Capacity Opened
1 IEVP Berat 37 2007
2 IEVP Burrel 198 1939
3 IEVP Durrës 300 2007
4 IEVP Elbasan 120 2012
5 IEVP Fier 870 2015
6 IEVP Fushë-Krujë 312 2008
7 IM Kavajë 40 2009
8 IEVP Korçë 312 2008
9 IEVP Krujë 196 2001
10 IEVP Kukës 36 2007
11 IEVP Lezhë 700 2006
12 IEVP Lushnjë 189 1975
13 IEVP Peqin 685 2003
14 IEVP Rrogozhinë 343 2002
15 IEVP Sarandë 31 2007
16 IEVP Shkodër 760 2018
17 IEVP Tepelenë 70 1970
18 IEVP Tropojë 25 2007
19 IEVP Vlorë 115 2008
20 IEVP Ali Demi (325) 80 1976
21 IEVP Jordan Misja (313) 320 1944
22 IEVP Mine Peza (302) 300 1944
23 IEVP Vaqarr 146 1999
24 Prison Hospital of Tirana 99 1998

References

  1. ^ a b "Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Burgjeve" (in Albanian).
  2. ^ https://memorie.al/en/the-prisons-of-the-communist-regime-of-enver-hoxha-and-some-of-the-inhumane-tortures-against-the-convicts-former-politicians-and-well-known-intellectuals-such-as-the-study-book-of-the-former
  3. ^ https://www.wmf.org/monuments/spa%C3%A7-prison
  4. ^ https://www.prisonstudies.org/country/albania
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