Attending the event for presentation of the final draft of the New Penal Code were Head of the Constitutional Court Holta Zaçaj, Head of the High Court Sokol Sadushi, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni, Minister of State and Chief Negotiator of Albania with the European Union Majlinda Dhuka, key actors of the justice system, international partners, universities, civil society and the media.

Minister Manja said that, “This moment marks an important step towards strengthening the rule of law in the country.”

“This draft, which today enters the public consultation phase, is a fundamental document for the protection of the rights and freedoms of every citizen,” said Manja.

According to minister, “The current Penal Code was adopted in January 1995 and entered into force on June 1 of that same year, at a time when Albania had just emerged from a totalitarian regime and had begun building a new justice system.”

“The new Penal Code should have as its constitutional basis the 1998 Constitution, while when it was adopted in 1995 the basis was the law on constitutional provisions of 1991. New forms of criminality require clear and appropriate criminal responses.

The minister also focused on the process of Albania’s integration into the EU, which requires a full approximation of the Penal Code with EU law, European directives and the rich jurisprudence of the Court of Human Rights.

After certification in Brussels, it will be subject to public consultation, said Manja.

Minister Manja invited the opposition to contribute with genuine expertise and discussions on the new Penal Code, as an important state act for the functioning of the state and justice in a country that aims to become part of the European family by 2030. /e.i/p.s./