The Minister of Justice, Ulsi Manja, has announced that the prisons inherited from the communist period will be closed, stating that they are depreciated structures and require a high maintenance cost.

In a statement made during the Law Commission, Manja clarified that, according to a master plan, the prisons of Tepelena, Burrel and prison 302 in Mine Peza, in Tirana, will be closed.

The minister emphasized that this process aims to improve living and working conditions for prisoners, as well as to ensure a more efficient system.

“We have started the closure of penal institutions inherited from the communist regime, and this will continue until all old prisons are closed. They are depreciated and cost us a lot to maintain. We will not open new institutions, but we will modernize and transform the existing structures, such as the Kukës prison, which will serve the area and also support Kosovo,” said Manja.

Regarding minors, Manja announced that a new and modern institute for minors will be built, which will be opened after the closure of the current institution in Kavaja.