Saranda Albania
US Department Of State Post Report
Butrint. The ancient town of Butrint is situated not far from the city of Saranda, in the far south-west of Albania. The archeological excavations show that Butrint has been an important center of the Illyrian tribes with known settlement since 1000 BC. It belonged to the Greek and Roman Empires during its long history and both have left a rich legacy. Several excavations dating from the 1st and 4th centuries AD can now be visited, among them a theatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, Bapistry, which is full of colorful mosaics. ... [Read More]
Albania
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or PunishmentThe Constitution prohibits such actions, and the Penal Code makes the use of torture a crime punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment; however, the police at times beat and tortured suspects. The three main human rights groups--the Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC), the AHRG, and the Albanian Center for Human Rights (ACHR)--continued to report that police forces nationwide used torture and inhumane or excessive treatment, but all three reported that the number of cases decreased during the year. According to the AHRG, most mistreatment took place at the time of arrest or initial detention. Police physically abused minors in detention. In February Alnor Hasa, Chief of Criminal Police in Vlora, detained and beat Sabaudin Cela. In March Ha ... [Read More]
Albania
In June police arrested and beat an 11-year-old orphan in Saranda (see Section 1.d.). The child alleged that a police officer beat him with a rubber truncheon, cut him on the arm, and burned him with a cigarette. The Ministry of Public Order reportedly dismissed the officer, but the Saranda District Prosecutor dismissed the case against him. With the involvement of the People's Advocate, the General Prosecutor ordered the District Prosecutor's Office to reopen the case, which remained pending at year's end. The officer was not permitted to resume his duties. ... [Read More]
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