Amnesty bill would release 380 prisoners

A new amnesty bill in Albania would release about 380 prisoners and cut sentences for about 900 others.

Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the draft law to parliament’s legal affairs committee.

He said the measure would apply only to low-risk offenders.

People convicted of corruption, organised crime, terrorism, trafficking, money laundering or sexual crimes would be excluded.

Cases handled by Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution and court would also be excluded.

The bill would apply to some men serving up to three years, women serving up to four years, older prisoners and people who were under 18 when they committed the crime.

Gogu said victims would still have the right to seek compensation.

The government says the amnesty would ease pressure on prisons and help prepare prisoners to return to society.