TIRANA, February 9 – Justice Minister Besfort Lamallari announced today that Albania will amend the Penal Code following international concerns over pretrial detention.

The draft classifies criminal offences into four groups, from minor to very serious crimes. Lamallari explained that courts will treat offences proportionally. The current law applies the same detention criteria to crimes with very different risk levels.

“International partners stressed that not all crimes deserve equal treatment. Minor offences should avoid pretrial detention. Courts must assess medium-level offences case by case. Serious crimes require stricter measures,” Lamallari said.

The minister outlined plans to build a multifunctional campus for juveniles. Psychologists, sociologists, and French experts will work at the facility. It will focus on rehabilitation and re-education.

Albania will also implement electronic monitoring for the first time. Lamallari stressed that the measure protects minors, who previously faced unsuitable detention conditions.

A dedicated working group in the Justice Ministry will manage electronic monitoring and alternative measures. These steps modernize the criminal justice system and align it with international standards.

/a.p./