TIRANA, October 13/ATA/ Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with Minister of Justice Besfort Lamallari.
According to a press release of the OSCE, ambassador Tarran reaffirmed the strong partnership in advancing justice and security sector reforms while justice reform remained central to the discussion.
Ambassador Tarran emphasized the importance of continuing the comprehensive reform initiated in 2016, highlighting the OSCE Presence’s active support in these efforts.
Key areas include: Cross-Sector Justice Strategy 2024-2030, protection of victims of crime, capacity building for SPAK and Special Courts on Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime and support for Constitutional Court, High Council of Justice, High Inspector of Justice, Free Legal Aid and State Bailiffs Service.
Pre-trial detention was another key topic of the discussion. Ambassador Tarran noted the issue of the overuse of pre-trial detention in Albania and reaffirmed the Presence’s commitment to holistically addressing this issue. Ambassador also acknowledged the Presence’s long-standing engagement in penitentiary reform, including its role in establishing and supporting the Probation Service, developing legislative and policy frameworks, and building the capacities of prison staff.
The minister expressed his appreciation for the OSCE Presence’s continued support to Albania’s institutions, highlighting his personal experience as former Deputy Minister of Interior.
On his part, Minister Lamallari also reaffirmed commitment to further cooperation, including his participation in roundtables, discussions and other activities organized by the Presence.
Together, with the Albanian authorities and international partners, we strive to build a more transparent, accountable and effective justice system in Albania. /p.s./
