200 Albanian offenders to be despatched residence from UK cells in jail switch scheme
T
he Government has introduced 200 Albanian nationals jailed in England and Wales will probably be despatched residence for the remainder of their sentence – amid issues that UK prisons are nearing capability.
Offenders handed phrases of 4 years or extra will return to their native nation to serve the rest, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) mentioned.
The association can even see Britain present assist to Albania to assist modernise its personal jail system, in keeping with the division.
It comes after justice minister Lord Bellamy KC instructed Parliament that jails are “quite tight” and at 99% capability.
Speaking to friends, he mentioned the Government is worried concerning the rising jail inhabitants and the way it’s nearing its higher restrict.
The MoJ mentioned the brand new deal will “free up” jail house in England and Wales and double the variety of offenders with out UK citizenship eliminated yearly.
Between 27 April 2021 and 27 April 2023, the Government repatriated 112 inmates below prisoner switch agreements.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk mentioned: “I am grateful to my Albanian counterpart, Ulsi Manja, for his efforts to shape our growing partnership on justice issues.
“The public expects that foreign criminals should serve their sentences overseas – not in our prisons at the expense of the taxpayer.
“This deal will speed up the removal of these offenders and give victims confidence that serious criminals will continue to face justice and spend the remainder of their sentence behind bars.
“Collaboration with our international partners is an essential part of making this possible.”
Ulsi Manja, the Albanian justice minister, mentioned: “This new arrangement demonstrates the strong partnership between the UK and Albanian governments.
“Two years after the agreement for the transfer of prisoners from the United Kingdom to Albania was ratified, we have concluded a technical arrangement that will benefit both countries.
“At its core, every Albanian convict in the United Kingdom shall be given the opportunity to serve the remaining sentence in Albania, near their families, while we also increase our efforts to ensure the modernisation of the Albanian penitentiary system.”