The Albanian government has closed the Zaharia prison in Kruja, which has become notorious for its inhumane conditions for prisoners who suffer from mental health issues.
On Saturday, Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja announced that the 319 inmates are being transferred to the reconstructed Shen Kolli prison where they will be provided with the necessary care and facilities.
Manja said that the inmates' stay in Shen Kolli will be temporary, as they will be transferred permanently to a specialized facility managed by the Ministry of Health.
In recent years, a number of national and international human rights organizations had demanded that Albania close the prison and assure proper care for the inmates with mental health issues.
In his briefing with journalists, Manja also announced that no amnesty will be granted to prisoners this year.
Read more:
- ECHR Fines Albania For Inhumane Treatment of Mentally Ill Prisoners
- Helsinki Committee Calls for Closure of Psychiatric Prison in Albania
- Council of Europe: ‘Inhuman and Degrading’ Conditions in Police Stations, Prisons, and Psychiatric Hospitals
