Albania’s Ombudsman Institution has raised serious concerns over the extensive use of pre-trial detention in the country, warning that the criminal justice system is facing severe overcrowding and ongoing violations of the rights of people deprived of their liberty.

According to the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report, more than half of the prison population in Albania is being held in pre-trial detention without a final court ruling.

The report states that 56.8% of inmates in the country’s penitentiary system are detainees awaiting trial — a figure that is 27.8% higher than the average across European Union countries.

The institution argues that the data reflects limited use of alternative security measures and an excessive reliance on imprisonment as a preventive measure.

The Ombudsman warns that the situation has contributed to prison overcrowding, deteriorating living conditions and a weakening of the rehabilitative role of the penitentiary system.

According to the report, concerns begin from the earliest stages of detention, where documentation of police actions, procedural safeguards and access to legal defense “are not guaranteed uniformly.”

The report also highlights persistent problems within the judicial system, including a shortage of judges and procedural delays.

Currently, Albanian courts are operating with only around 66% of the planned number of judges, a situation that, according to the Ombudsman, has resulted in repeated postponements of hearings and prolonged court proceedings.

The institution further raised concerns over overcrowding in correctional facilities. Lezha Prison, according to published data, is operating at approximately 65% above its intended capacity, placing additional strain on the penitentiary system.

In its conclusions, the Ombudsman called for stronger institutional oversight mechanisms, broader use of alternatives to pre-trial detention and urgent reforms aimed at preventing repeated human rights violations within Albania’s criminal justice system.