Denada Jushi
For more than 10 days, the main news in Albania has been a series of inspections that have discovered unauthorized or illegal means in Albanian prisons, calling into question the functioning and security of these institutions.
These surprise checks have uncovered contraband such as drugs, sharp objects and improvised communication systems that continue to be smuggled into prisons, while European reports have highlighted overcrowding, inhumane treatment and lack of security. In some cases, there have been calls for their closure, as in the case of the Ombudsman's report.
The most recent case was recorded in Peqin prison, where prison operational forces conducted a “flash” search of cells. During the operation, improvised cutting tools, narcotics, electrical cables and modified circuits suspected of being used for illegal communication between prisoners were discovered. Two people sentenced to life imprisonment were transferred immediately after the operation.
The control in Peqin was carried out with the support of special forces from the General Directorate of Prisons and security units from several prisons in the country. The use of drones, anti-drug dogs and special detectors shows that the institutions have increased the level of alert for what is happening inside the cells.
But this is not the first time that Albanian prisons have been at the center of security scandals. In recent months alone, there have been reports of cell phones being smuggled in, internet use from cells, and suspicions of organized criminal activity from inside prisons. In some cases, authorities have discovered sophisticated communications equipment hidden in prisons, raising questions about the control that exists in these institutions.
But concerns are not just about security. European reports and audits point to structural problems that have persisted for years. According to the European Union's progress report on Albania, prison overcrowding remains a serious problem, while there are allegations of ill-treatment and a lack of healthcare for prisoners. The report also highlights that complaints and accountability mechanisms are still weak.
Security experts argue that smuggling contraband into prisons cannot occur without internal networks of cooperation, which makes the situation even more problematic.
Phones, drugs, and cutting tools pass through controls, and this has long raised suspicions of corruption or lack of control in the system.
In the past, cases of violence between prisoners, escape attempts, and serious security incidents, even murders within the institution, have been documented, precisely due to these illegally introduced means.
The scandal deepens when videos of high-risk individuals organizing parties inside their cells have been published for days, clearly showing the use of alcohol, drugs, and phones, while conducting live connections.
Also, investigative journalists have obtained documentation that is expected to be released, where prisoners and convicts have secured intimate encounters with girls in exchange for falsifying documents or bribes.
Albanian authorities have repeatedly pledged to take measures to strengthen security and modernize prisons. But recent inspections in Peqin show that the problem still remains unresolved.
Cells continue to contain prohibited items, while Albanian prisons remain one of the most problematic links in the country's justice system.acqj.al
