WRITTEN QUESTION E-0880/02

Submission: To the Commission and the Council

19 March 2002

Subject: Abuse of minors in Albanian prisons

According to Amnesty International, the abuse of children in detention in Albania is a widespread and very common practice. The case of 11-year-old Ergjest Shele, who was tortured during his detention to confess to stealing a bag, is just one of many children who have fallen victim to torture and mistreatment while in custody of the Albanian police. The non-governmental organization “The Center for the Rights of the Child in Albania” reports in its findings that the police have extensively used torture to coerce minors into confessing to crimes. Furthermore, children are afraid to file complaints for fear of being subjected to further abuse. I remind you that Albania has ratified all international conventions prohibiting torture, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Committee is asked whether it intends to pressure the Albanian government to urgently take measures to ensure and protect the rights of children in detention and to prosecute those responsible. Additionally, whether it plans to request the Minister of Justice of Albania to promote the establishment of legislation for the creation of a juvenile justice system.