TIRANA, Nov. 1 – Minister of Justice Etilda Gjonaj announced earlier this week the sacking of eight prison wardens over various suspected violations.
Issues included drugs being allowed inside the prisons, favors granted to inmates in exchange for money, use of violence on offenders by the prison guards and appointment of employees in violation of the law.
Gjonaj said the violations were uncovered after inspections in correctional facilities. Minister Gjonaj also said the ministry had demanded the launching of criminal proceedings on some of the sacked wardens.
In another appearance in front of media, Minister Gjonaj said she urged qualified Albanians to apply the vacancies opened as a result, saying the government was having a hard time finding the right candidates, not only for prison officials but also for other positions such as the directors of Local Immovable Property Registration Offices. The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 12.
Much of the prison administration under the previous coalition government was in the hands of the Socialist Movement for Integration, which is now in opposition, and media analysts noted the prison sackings could be part of purge of SMI-affiliated officials from the ranks of state officials.
