Albania will shut down a state prison that houses more than 300 inmates because of severe infrastructure problem's in the 30-year-old facility, the Justice Minister announced on Thursday.

Justice Minister, Etilda Gjonaj, declared that next year the Zaharia prison in Kruja will be closed and new investment for the prisons' system will kick off.

Gjonaj speaking during an urgent interpellation in parliament focused even on strike of Peqini prisoners, who have come out against 41 bis regime.

“In these 3 years, we have managed to reform the penitentiary system. International partners are the biggest critics and guides to pursuing reforms. The implementation of the 41 bis regime has been successful. The prison security filter has been increased. For the first time in 10 years, we have increased the salary of prison staff by 11%. My interest lies in Zaharia prison in Kruja, which will be closed after 30 years," said Gjonaj.