Albania sets free 731 inmates under amnesty

Albanian authorities released 731 inmates on Sunday under an amnesty initiated by the Ministry of Justice, local media reported.

Albanian parliament approved last December the amnesty, which was defined to be executed in mid-January.

The amnesty applies to convicts with up to two years jail term and those who have two years remaining to serve, according to the ministry.

Beneficiaries also include women over 55 years old, men over 60 and minors under 18, it informed.

But those convicted of serious crimes, such as terrorism, human and narcotics trafficking, sexual assaults, and public officials accused of office misuse, corruption are excluded.

Albanian government proposed the amnesty to release hundreds of people from crowded prisons and detention centers last year.

Justice Minister Ylli Manjani told reporters Sunday that the amnesty was intended to give another opportunity to the convicts while he pledged support to help the released inmates to re-integrate into the social life. Endit