The President of the Constitutional Court, Holta Zaçaj, stated that justice cannot punish offenders at the expense of procedural guarantees and the fundamental rights of the individual.

In her opening remarks at an event supported by the Council of Europe, titled “Enhancing the Judiciary’s Capacity for Better Implementation of the Right to Liberty and Security Standards in Albania”, Zaçaj emphasized the importance of balancing security and personal liberty, calling it a cornerstone of a democratic state.

“The power of justice does not lie in punishment, but in legitimacy, and legitimacy is born from respect for rights, even when this is difficult—especially when it is difficult,” stressed the head of the Constitutional Court. She reminded that society does not need “swift justice at the expense of fair justice.”

Zaçaj also raised concern about the phenomenon of overcrowding in detention facilities, underlining that respecting the rights of detainees is not a budgetary issue but a constitutional and legal obligation. She stressed that any restriction of liberty must be lawful, proportionate, and supported by procedural guarantees, in accordance with the Constitution and European human rights standards.