The OSCE Presence in Albania, in co-operation with the Council of Europe Office in Tirana and the Ministry of Justice organized a roundtable on promoting alternative measures to pre-trial detention on 16 September 2026. 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 and international human rights standards.
Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that deprivation of liberty before trial is used only when necessary and proportionate, while effective alternatives are considered in individual cases.
Opening the event, Head of the OSCE Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran said: "Reducing the number of court decisions on pre-trial detention is not about being softer on crime. It is about ensuring that measures are necessary, proportionate and effective. Public safety and human rights are not competing objectives. A justice system that uses detention carefully, explains its decisions clearly and makes effective use of alternatives can strengthen both."
Head of Council of Europe Office in Tirana Giulia Re, Deputy Minister of Justice Elona Hoxha, General Director of Prisons Adriatik Kupi and Probation Service Director of Inspection Eriant Kulluri also addressed the roundtable.
Participants examined practical issues related to judicial decision-making, risk assessment, supervision and co-operation among courts, prosecutors, probation services and other relevant institutions.
Particular attention was given to the link between the use of pre-trial detention and prison overcrowding. Limiting unnecessary or prolonged pre-trial detention and making greater use of appropriate non-custodial measures can contribute to reducing pressure on detention facilities, while supporting the effective administration of justice and respect for the presumption of innocence.
The exchange underscored the need for a change 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.
The roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts and support provided by the OSCE Presence in Albania to strengthen the rule of law, protect the right to liberty and security, and support a criminal justice system that makes proportionate and effective use of detention and non-custodial measures.
The OSCE Presence remains committed to supporting Albanian institutions through judicial training, penitentiary reform, strengthening probation services and promoting alternatives to custody.
