Minister of Justice Announces Comprehensive Review of Criminal Legislation in Cooperation with International Experts

During the meeting held at the Palace of Brigades, Minister of Justice Besfort Lamallari announced the launch of a comprehensive review of the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. This review is part of efforts to reform criminal policy and meet European standards.
The minister said the process includes a thorough examination of the criminal law framework, both substantive and procedural, in collaboration with international experts from Italy, France, and the Netherlands. It also considers the opinions of Council of Europe experts. The changes aim to clarify and improve existing provisions, establishing a new approach to criminal policy in line with the “Albania 2030” objective and ensuring coherence between criminal legislation and procedural law.
Lamallari emphasized that work is also underway on the law on jurisdictional relations with foreign authorities in criminal matters. This law includes 23 legal acts and is considered essential for completing Chapters 23 and 24 of the European integration process.
Also under review are laws aimed at strengthening procedural guarantees for citizens, including state-guaranteed free legal aid, as well as other administrative acts affecting the functioning of the justice system.
The minister recalled that a master plan for constructing and renovating buildings for justice institutions has been drafted as well. This plan is being financed by the state budget and coordinated with the relevant institutions. In the same vein, the penitentiary infrastructure is being reviewed. In addition to the women’s prison in the Ali Demi area, prisons 302 and 313 are being considered for inclusion in the plan, with the aim of improving conditions.
Another element of the reform involves implementing alternatives to pretrial detention, particularly electronic monitoring. According to Lamallari, this measure has not been effective in Albania. The Probation Service has been asked to present a detailed project, including financial costs, to reduce the use of detention in prisons and house arrests. This project aligns with the Council of Europe’s recommendations.
Lastly, the minister confirmed the government’s intention to adopt a criminal amnesty. The draft was prepared in one month, approved on February 6, and submitted to Parliament for review. He estimates that around 15,000 families will benefit from the amnesty. He called on members of Parliament to swiftly review it in the relevant committees and implement the government’s commitment.