Prisons in Albania are divided into three levels: closed, semi-open, andopen. A difference is made between ordinary closed prisons andhigh security prisons. Most Albanian prisons have separate blocks (wings) for women and children (juveniles), while others keep women and children together.

As in other countries,prisoners inAlbania are separated intoremanded prisoners (inpre-trial detention) andconvicted prisoners (whose sentences are being executed).^[1] Prisons inAlbania are managed by theGeneral Directorate of Prisons. The country has 22 prisons, 1 prison hospital, and 1 juvenile institute, which have a total capacity of 6,284 inmates.^[1]

The evolution of the prison system inAlbania reflects the country's political and social transformations over the decades.

Early Developments (Pre-Communist Era)Before the establishment of thecommunist regime, Albania's penal system was rudimentary, with limited infrastructure and resources. Prisons were primarily used for detaining individuals accused of crimes, with little emphasis on rehabilitation or human rights.

Communist Era (1946–1991)Under the communist regime ofEnver Hoxha, the prison system underwent significant expansion and militarization. Prisons became instruments of political repression, with thousands of individuals imprisoned for perceived opposition to the regime. Notable facilities from this period include:

-Spaç Prison: Established in 1968, Spaç was a notorious labor camp where political prisoners were subjected to forced labor and harsh conditions. It remained operational until 1991.-Tepelenë Internment Camp: Operated from 1949 to 1954, this camp housed families of political dissidents and individuals deemed enemies of the state. Conditions were dire, leading to high mortality rates among internees, including children.-Burrel Prison: Opened in 1938 and later expanded, Burrel became known for detaining intellectuals, religious figures, and political opponents. It was notorious for its severe conditions and the long sentences imposed on inmates.

These institutions were part of a broader network of over 100 prisons and labor camps across the country, managed by theSigurimi (State Security), which played a central role in maintaining the regime's control.^[2][3][4]

1. IEVP stands for "Institute of Executing Penal Decisions" (Albanian:Institucioni i Ekzekutimit të Vendimeve Penale)
2. IM stands for "Institute of Juveniles" (Albanian:Instituti i të Miturve)

• Prisons in Albania

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