Balkans | Albania begins implementing an agreement on the transfer of prisoners from the United Kingdom

Albania will start implementing the agreement on the transfer of prisoners from the UK to the country.

The statement issued by the Albanian Ministry of Justice said that the agreement on the transfer of prisoners to the country will begin after the joint declaration signed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in December 2022 and the meeting. of the two leaders in London in March 2023.

“The 200 Albanian prisoners in the prisons of England and Wales, who have been sentenced to 4 years or more, will be returned (to the country) within the next two years and will continue to serve out the remainder of their sentences in Albanian prisons.” Data included.

Under the agreement, it was stipulated that the British side would cover the costs of housing the prisoners in Albania for the duration of their sentences, and it was confirmed that Albania could also increase investments to further improve conditions in the prison system.

Albania and the United Kingdom signed a joint statement in December 2022 with the aim of “deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest”, including the issue of illegal immigration.

Under the agreement, Albania and the UK will increase the number of people returning to Albania, including those over the age of 18 who have been identified by the UK authorities as victims of human trafficking.

In addition, within this framework, it is stated that the United Kingdom will support the Albanian government and authorized institutions in the protection and reintegration of returnees.

AA