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. "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