10 people dead in state custody in just 8 months

Franci NURI - Secretary for Human Rights in the Democratic Party

During the first 8 months of 2026 alone, at least 10 people died while arrested, detained or serving sentences in Albanian state institutions.

Today's case in Vlora is alarming. A 32-year-old man, arrested two days ago, was found in serious condition in the police station's escort rooms and died after being transported to the hospital.

But this is not an isolated case.

In March, a 41-year-old man died in the Police Security Block in Tirana, just two days after his arrest. The Albanian Helsinki Committee later noted that he had been taken to hospital three times and raised concerns about the implementation of medical recommendations.

In February, another citizen, who was in the security facilities of the Durrës Police Station awaiting transfer to the Penitentiary Institution, developed health problems and later died in hospital.

And the list goes on in the country's prisons and detention centers.

From January to August 31, deaths were reported in or related to the Burrel, Shkodër, Korçë, Lezhë and Fier Penitentiaries, including persons transported from the institutions to hospitals where they subsequently died.

10 lives lost in 8 months under state custody cannot simply pass as a dark chronicle.

For every person deprived of liberty, the state assumes responsibility for his or her life, safety, integrity and healthcare.

Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees the right to life and imposes serious obligations on the state to protect it.

Every death under state custody requires a full, effective, independent, and transparent investigation.

10 people in 8 months.

The state must be held accountable!