466 inmates set to walk free under amnesty

Albania's parliament is expected to approve an amnesty that would immediately release 466 inmates from prison.

Another 869 prisoners would have their sentences reduced, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said.

The measure would apply to men serving short sentences or with up to three years left to serve, and to women with up to four years remaining on their sentences.

People convicted or investigated by Albania's special anti-corruption and organised crime courts would be excluded.

An opposition lawmaker has proposed expanding the amnesty to cover some convictions handed down by the special court.

Critics say that could allow people convicted of organised crime, drug trafficking or money laundering to benefit from the measure.