Pre-trial detention
Albania: added links
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Albania has one of the highest rates of pre-trial detention in Europe. In November 2025, the [[United Nations Committee Against Torture]] (CAT) reported that approximately 57 per cent of detainees in Albania were held in pre-trial detention, describing its use as systematic rather than exceptional and noting its contribution to severe prison overcrowding.{{cite web |title=Albania: CAT raises concerns over detention conditions and treatment of migrants and asylum seekers |url=https://www.omct.org/en/resources/news/albania-cat-raises-concerns-over-detention-conditions-and-treatment-of-migrants-and-asylum-seekers |publisher=[[World Organisation Against Torture]] |access-date=December 21, 2025}} The Committee, citing findings of the [[European Committee for the Prevention of Torture]] (CPT), also raised concerns about detention conditions, including inadequate living standards and limited access to medical care, particularly at the Tirana Prison Hospital. |
Albania has one of the highest rates of pre-trial detention in Europe. In November 2025, the [[United Nations Committee Against Torture]] (CAT) reported that approximately 57 per cent of detainees in Albania were held in pre-trial detention, describing its use as systematic rather than exceptional and noting its contribution to severe prison overcrowding.{{cite web |title=Albania: CAT raises concerns over detention conditions and treatment of migrants and asylum seekers |url=https://www.omct.org/en/resources/news/albania-cat-raises-concerns-over-detention-conditions-and-treatment-of-migrants-and-asylum-seekers |publisher=[[World Organisation Against Torture]] |access-date=December 21, 2025}} The Committee, citing findings of the [[European Committee for the Prevention of Torture]] (CPT), also raised concerns about detention conditions, including inadequate living standards and limited access to medical care, particularly at the Tirana Prison Hospital. |
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Concerns regarding prolonged pre-trial detention and detainees’ rights have also been highlighted in several high-profile cases. The extended detention without trial of Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj was cited by legal analysts and media as illustrative of broader due-process and rule-of-law challenges in Albania. In January 2026, 76 mayors from the B40 Balkan Cities Network issued a joint letter expressing concern over the indefinite pre-trial detention of Veliaj and Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, warning that the removal of elected officials from office prior to a final conviction undermined voters’ representation and threatened local democracy.{{cite news |title=After Nine Months in Prison Democratically Elected Mayor of Tirana, Albania, Erion Veliaj Speaks for Nine Minutes at the Albanian Constitutional Court and Wins Back His Office - Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya Law Firms Hail It as a Victory for the Rule of Law |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-nine-months-in-prison-democratically-elected-mayor-of-tirana-albania-erion-veliaj-speaks-for-nine-minutes-at-the-albanian-constitutional-court-and-wins-back-his-office--kasowitz-and-mishcon-de-reya-law-firms-hail-it-as-a--302607498.html |access-date=December 21, 2025 |agency=PR Newswire |date=November 6, 2025}} |
Concerns regarding prolonged pre-trial detention and detainees’ rights have also been highlighted in several high-profile cases. The extended detention without trial of Tirana mayor [[Erion Veliaj]] was cited by legal analysts and media as illustrative of broader due-process and rule-of-law challenges in Albania. In January 2026, 76 mayors from the B40 Balkan Cities Network issued a joint letter expressing concern over the indefinite pre-trial detention of Veliaj and Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, warning that the removal of elected officials from office prior to a final conviction undermined voters’ representation and threatened local democracy.{{cite news |title=After Nine Months in Prison Democratically Elected Mayor of Tirana, Albania, Erion Veliaj Speaks for Nine Minutes at the Albanian Constitutional Court and Wins Back His Office - Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya Law Firms Hail It as a Victory for the Rule of Law |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-nine-months-in-prison-democratically-elected-mayor-of-tirana-albania-erion-veliaj-speaks-for-nine-minutes-at-the-albanian-constitutional-court-and-wins-back-his-office--kasowitz-and-mishcon-de-reya-law-firms-hail-it-as-a--302607498.html |access-date=December 21, 2025 |agency=PR Newswire |date=November 6, 2025}} |
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Albanian authorities have also kept former president Ilir Meta in pre-trial detention since 2024. In April 2026, Meta, who has been held in pre-trial detention since his 2024 arrest, sent a public letter to the Albanian Helsinki Committee alleging violations of his fundamental rights while in custody. Meta claimed unequal treatment compared with other detainees, including reduced outdoor time, lack of transparency regarding disciplinary measures, restrictions on his right to appeal, and limits on his ability to publicly defend himself.{{cite news |last1=Si |first1=Nen |title=Former President Ilir Meta Sends Letter to Albanian Helsinki Committee: “My Fundamental Rights Are Being Violated” |url=https://euronews.al/en/former-president-ilir-meta-sends-letter-to-albanian-helsinki-committee-my-fundamental-rights-are-being-violated/ |issue=EuroNews |date=April 14, 2026}} |
Albanian authorities have also kept former president [[Ilir Meta]] in pre-trial detention since 2024. In April 2026, Meta, who has been held in pre-trial detention since his 2024 arrest, sent a public letter to the Albanian Helsinki Committee alleging violations of his fundamental rights while in custody. Meta claimed unequal treatment compared with other detainees, including reduced outdoor time, lack of transparency regarding disciplinary measures, restrictions on his right to appeal, and limits on his ability to publicly defend himself.{{cite news |last1=Si |first1=Nen |title=Former President Ilir Meta Sends Letter to Albanian Helsinki Committee: “My Fundamental Rights Are Being Violated” |url=https://euronews.al/en/former-president-ilir-meta-sends-letter-to-albanian-helsinki-committee-my-fundamental-rights-are-being-violated/ |issue=EuroNews |date=April 14, 2026}} |
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=== Armenia === |
=== Armenia === |
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