“It is well known that the current Penal Code has been in effect for nearly three decades. Although numerous amendments have been enacted during this period, such piecemeal modifications have proven insufficient. As the saying goes, ‘you cannot rely on piecemeal changes’—a new code is needed. I welcome the debate triggered by the draft of the new Penal Code and encourage all legal practitioners to actively participate in refining and enhancing this draft,” Hoxha said.

Hoxha emphasized that public discussions regarding the draft contribute to its enhancement, and he personally has several recommendations.

“The draft of the New Penal Code differs significantly from the code in effect, including its overall structure, which is completely revised and contains three times as many articles. Emerging social changes and developments have resulted in the recognition of many new criminal offenses that were previously unaddressed. In my view, certain offenses should not be codified without prior administrative sanctions. There appears to be a tendency to criminalize behaviors that are currently treated as administrative violations; however, this remains only a proposal,” remarked the head of the Judges’ Union.

When questioned about the stances of SPAK and the General Prosecutor’s Office on the Code, Deputy Chief Justice of the Tirana Court, Hoxha, affirmed that, to his knowledge, all judicial bodies have been consulted.

“I have great respect for both, as they are seasoned professionals like Olsian Çela and Altin Dumani. Their institutional and individual perspectives will be crucial to refining this draft. I believe there is ample time remaining. These experts, in collaboration with international counterparts, have aimed primarily to draft a Code that serves the Albanian people,” Hoxha remarked.

He further outlined the New Penal Code’s provisions concerning prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.

“Drawing from leading Western international practices, the consensus is that these inmates possess certain rights—but release is not automatic. They are required to serve a minimum of 35 years in prison and subsequently fulfill additional conditions and criteria. An assessment will be carried out by the prison administration, alongside input from the victim. The inmate’s overall conduct will be thoroughly evaluated. A specialist will also conduct an additional review, with the final decision resting with the judge,” Hoxha explained.

Among other things, Hoxha revealed that the drafting of this Code began in 2019. According to him, consultations to finalize the draft completely could take up to two years.

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