TIRANA, September 30 /ATA/ – “Drafting the Criminal Procedure Code is one of a country’s most significant undertakings, as it defines the methods for gathering evidence, conducting interrogations, restricting liberty and enforcing criminal penalties,” stated Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Council of Europe.
Speaking at a meeting held today in Tirana to present the new package of safeguards within the Criminal Procedure Code, Esposito emphasized that such a code plays a vital role in establishing the truth and protecting victims, thereby helping to maintain public trust in the justice system.
“The effectiveness of the fight against crime is not measured by the number of people involved, but by the scope of the measures taken,” he remarked.
Esposito noted that the legal framework of the Criminal Procedure Code is grounded in European conventions, which establish standards and obligations for criminal justice systems. “In recent months, at the Prime Minister’s request, the Council of Europe has supported this process, helping to align the draft with European standards,” stated Esposito.
He commended the process of drafting the new package, highlighting that it addresses a range of important issues and demonstrates a commitment to reflecting European standards in criminal legislation.
According to him, the draft balances the reform package with European standards and strengthens the rights of the accused and their defense. This process, Esposito noted, demonstrates the commitment of Albanian institutions to aligning the system with European Union directives and European standards.
“A good criminal code should serve as a tool to prevent violations and support fair and lawful justice. We, as the Council of Europe, will continue to provide support as needed, and we are pleased with the progress achieved so far, including the publication of the draft Criminal Procedure Code,” Esposito stated. /p.s./
