Promoting alternatives to pre-trial detention was the focus of the roundtable organised by the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Ministry of Justice. The event brought together around 30 representatives of justice institutions, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers, law enforcement bodies, prison directorate and probation services.
The roundtable provided a platform for participants to exchange views on the current use of pre-trial detention in Albania, discuss practical challenges in applying non-custodial measures and identify opportunities for strengthening their use, in line with European standards. In her opening remarks the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana stressed that: “The consequences of excessive reliance on detention are far-reaching. It affects individuals and their families, places additional pressure on detention facilities, and creates considerable costs for the State. Pre-trial detention cannot be the answer”.
Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that deprivation of liberty before trial is used only when necessary and proportionate, while effective alternatives should be considered in each individual case. Participants examined practical issues related to judicial decision-making, risk assessment, supervision and co-operation among courts, prosecutors, probation services and other relevant institutions.
The impact of pre-trial detention on prison overcrowding was also discussed. According to the participants, limiting unnecessary or prolonged pre-trial detention and making greater use of appropriate non-custodial measures could help reduce pressure on detention facilities. This approach supports more effective administration of justice and respect for the presumption of innocence, as guaranteed by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The exchange underscored the need for a shift in judicial culture, continued professional development, consistent judicial reasoning and stronger inter-institutional co-operation to ensure that alternatives to pre-trial detention are applied effectively.
This roundtable was organised jointly by the Council of Europe’s project on “Strengthening the capacities of the Albanian judiciary to better apply standards on the right to liberty and security”, and the OSCE Presence in Albania.
The Council of Europe project is funded by the Human Rights Trust Fund (HRTF) which brings together eight Council of Europe member states: Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
