In a unique move, Kosovo's parliament has approved a bill allowing Denmark to lease prison space, alleviating overcrowding in the Scandinavian country's correctional facilities. Under the agreement, foreign convicts sentenced in Denmark will serve their time in Kosovo's prison at Gjilan.
In a landmark decision, Kosovo's parliament has voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill leasing some of its prison space to Denmark. The deal, signed in 2022, aims to address Denmark's ongoing prison overcrowding crisis.
Under the agreement, Danish authorities will have the right to send foreign nationals convicted in Denmark to serve their sentences in Kosovo's prison in Gjilan. Danish citizens, individuals convicted of terrorism or war crimes, and those with mental illness are excluded from the arrangement.
Denmark has agreed to pay Kosovo €217 million for the 10-year lease of 300 cells. The deal stipulates that the leased prison space will operate under the same conditions and obligations as a prison in Denmark.
The agreement requires the approval of Kosovo's president before it can become law. Once implemented, Denmark is expected to begin sending convicts to Kosovo in the near future.
Kosovo plans to use the funds received from Denmark to improve its correctional institutions and invest in renewable energy projects. The deal also provides the possibility of deporting foreign convicts to their home countries after completing their sentences in Kosovo.
Initial attempts to pass the bill in parliament failed last week. However, the government revised the draft, and the revised version was passed with 86-7 votes, with no abstentions. The opposition was divided on the issue, with reasons for their stance remaining undisclosed.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard welcomed the parliament's vote as "really good news." He emphasized that sending convicts to Kosovo would help alleviate pressure on Denmark's overstretched prison system.
A Danish warden will oversee the Gjilan facility, with the assistance of local prison staff. Kosovo's prison system currently has a capacity of 2,800 inmates, and the exact number of available cells remains unknown.
The Kosovo-Denmark prison lease agreement marks an unprecedented collaboration between two countries. It demonstrates an innovative approach to addressing prison overcrowding and upholding international obligations.
