Tirana Times
The prison system, as with the general population of a given place, often reflects a melting pot with inmates of different religious, lingual, sexual and ethnic backgrounds. Though diversity is generally hailed as a positive element, it also brings the risk of discrimination or mistreatment of minorities and the consequent possibility of radicalization.
In recognition of this, Agenfor Italia hosted a three day conference and work shop during the weekend of July 8th to address the treatment of minorities in prisons throughout the Balkans. The conference, which was held in Tirana, was the first of its kind and considered the starting point for Agenfor’s regional project. Partners of the initiative included the Albanian Institute for International Studies, Centre for the Study of Democracy (Bulgaria), Forum for Ethnic Relations (Serbia), Consiglio delle Relazioni Islamiche Italiane (Italy), SOSDER (Turkey), Universitࡅuropea di Roma (Italy), and Little People of Kosovo.
“The overall objective is to improve the dialogue with and between religious minorities in the Western Balkans and EU prisons, with the main scope of reducing the phenomenon of radicalization and clash of civilizations on a transnational basis,” stated Agenfor in its mission objectives. “Through this objective, we should guarantee a more appropriate respect for minorities inside the penitentiary systems, through a re-education methodology which takes into account their religious beliefs, their traditions and cultures.”
In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador to Albania, Ettore Sequi, recognized the importance of the initiative.
“Commitment to human rights can best be assessed by their observance in places where abuse could be gotten away with,” he stated. With more specific regard to the European integration goals of Albania, Sequi also pointed out that respect for human rights and the observance of them in prisons are two key elements of the Stabilization Association Agreement.
During the first two days of the workshop, partners from seven different countries throughout the region presented their statistics with regard to the state of facilities and treatment of minorities within their prisons.
Speaking of Albania, the General Director of Prisons in Albania, Iliaz Labi pointed out that just twenty years ago, the Albanian justice system was very primitive and did not even have a Ministry of Justice. Thus it has since improved radicallyء change which has also had positive effects on the Albanian society and mentality.
“There has been progress with legal reforms in the prison system. Laws and regulations for alternative punishments and the services provided have improved, as well as regulations in the general prisons,” stated Labi.
“In October, 2009 the Center for Reintegration of Minors in Kavaja began operations. This center offers the infrastructure that allows for treatment of minors in accordance with international standards. Thanks to the close cooperation of authorities, it is also now possible to provide care within the criminal sector for those with mental illnesses and narcotics users,” he added.
“The good practices evident in the Albanian prison system can serve as a useful example to other countries,” stated Albert Rakipi, Director of the Albanian Institute for International Studies.
“Albania can offer something unique. Just as there is harmony among the various minority groups of the general population, there are also good relations and a lack of discrimination within the Albanian prison system. This is unique. In no other country are there minority groups that do not experience conflicts. Albania is also fortunate to have successful cooperation among the stakeholders, civil society, and institutions. It is due to Albania’s good practices that the holding of the first conference of this initiative in Tirana is so special,” he added.
On the third and final day of the workshop in Albania, participants visited prisons in Tirana in order to personally assess the facilities and special accommodations available to minorities. For example, in order to allow imprisoned religious minorities to continue practicing their faith, special rooms are reserved in which religious ceremonies can be held. Labi also pointed out that the religious leaders who perform the services (priests, imams, etc.) come free of charge at the request of prisoners. Also, it was noted that in order to allow practicing religious minorities to abide by the dietary rules of their faith, families are allowed to send the appropriate foods to their imprisoned relatives.
Despite Albania’s example of good practices, however, the Albanian prison system still has areas which need improvement. As noted by Labi, overpopulation and infrastructure weaknessנnamely with regard to reliable electricity and running waterנremain the priority areas of concern; which, along with the treatment of imprisoned minorities throughout the region, will be further addressed in the coming stages of the project.
