Speaking on his “Flasim” (Let’s Talk) podcast on Sunday, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the measure would have a direct impact on the functioning of the criminal justice system and its overall approach.

“The draft provides for the immediate release of 447 people from prison, sentence reductions for hundreds more, amnesty from alternative probation measures and the termination of criminal proceedings for minor offences,” Rama said.

He described the initiative as a clear political choice aimed at refocusing the justice system on crimes that pose a real threat to society, while avoiding what he called disproportionate use of criminal punishment in less serious cases.

Rama said the law would also help reduce prison overcrowding, lower costs and allow for greater investment in improving conditions in penitentiary institutions.

He stressed that the amnesty would not apply to serious crimes.

“Crimes against life, violent offences, corruption and organised crime are excluded from the amnesty,” Rama said.

The government head also pointed to the ongoing problem of pre-trial detention, describing it as a well-documented issue highlighted by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

“We are determined to address this problem through additional measures, which we are developing in cooperation with several European partners,” he added.

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