Guidance

Information for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Kosovo

Updated 11 August 2023

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at support for British nationals abroad.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Kosovo and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we provide.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.

British Embassy Pristina
Lidhja e Pejës No. 177
Pristina 10000
Kosovo
Tel: +381 (0) 38 254 700
Fax: +381 (0) 38 606 662

Website: www.gov.uk/government/world/kosovo

Email: [email protected]

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Kosovo, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place within several days after the arrest. After we are notified, we aim to contact you as soon as possible.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Kosovo.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available.

We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers.

You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstances.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Kosovo

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Kosovo for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Prison visits are at the discretion of the investigation judge and are normally restricted to close family members. Permission must be obtained in writing from the judge. We can help your family members to obtain this permission. For prisoners who have been sentenced visits are authorised by the prison governor. Your local lawyer can advise you on this.

Visiting times vary from prison to prison, but most prisons are flexible, especially for visitors who travel from abroad.

What to expect when you visit

This can vary from prison to prison. In the majority of the prisons you are allowed to receive visitors once a week, for example, from your local lawyer. Some prisons only allow family visits on certain days of the week or only once a month. The prison authorities or your lawyer should inform you of visiting times.

What you can take on your visit

Once a month, you are permitted to receive parcels containing items for personal use. Prison staff will carefully examine all parcels in your presence before they hand items over to you.

Prison regulations about permitted items may be subject to change. Families should consult their lawyer in advance of their visit so they can get updated information.

Visits: consular staff

We will aim to visit you again once a year after you have been sentenced, if you have been sentenced for more than one year. During our visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our Consular staff. Our staff will complete a visit report form. If you have given us permission to speak to your family, but there is any information that you would prefer us not to disclose to them, then you should let us know during the visit.

The consular team can make representations to the prison authorities about any discrimination or ill treatment reported by you, and help you receive medical or dental treatment if necessary. However, we cannot get better treatment for you than would be given to locals or other nationals.

In some circumstances, for example, a pandemic, and if the facilities at the particular prison allow, we can arrange remote visits using online/video technology.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you (but if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask the prison authorities to contact us on your behalf).

Our postal address is:

British Embassy Pristina
Lidhja e Pejës No. 177
Pristina 10000
Kosovo

Emergency trips outside of prison

You may be permitted to leave the prison if an urgent situation arises, for example, medical treatment or surgical procedures in local hospitals. The prison authorities or the case prosecutor authorise this, depending on the need.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When you are arrested you are taken to a police station in the first instance. Kosovo law requires prosecutors to charge you within 6 hours, in a language you understand. Authorities must bring the arrested person before a judge within 48 hours or release them.

The law requires authorities to ensure detainees prompt access to a lawyer of their choice or one provided by the state. It also allows suspects to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions except those concerning their identity, to obtain the free assistance of an interpreter, and to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.

When you are arrested, you should be informed of your rights to:

• appeal against the detention measure
• have legal representation
• access medical care
• have a right to one phone call to inform somebody of your detention
• have your consulate informed
• use an interpreter

The courts may retain your passport as evidence of the alleged crime or as a condition for your bail/parole.

Appearing at court

On the day of your trial you will be taken to the court where your case is being heard. There will be a judge in charge of your case along with the public prosecutor and your lawyer or public defender. If you don’t speak Albanian the court will be responsible for hiring an interpreter to assist you during the trial.

Read more information about the Kosovo judicial system.

Initial arrival at the prison

Once you are convicted there are certain items that your are allowed in your cell. Items not allowed in cells will either be stored in secure storage by the Correctional Service until the release of the convinced person or given to a third person.

The British embassy cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. The only property we can keep for you is your passport and driver’s licence. However, these are usually retained by the courts until the end of your sentence.

The prison health department will carry out medical checks to assess if you need any treatment for ongoing medical conditions, for example, blood pressure, diabetes, HIV.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Prison and detention centres conditions generally meet international standards, but there are still significant problems in some establishments. The government generally permits visits by independent human rights observers. Rules vary by establishment.

You can submit complaints and requests for investigations to judicial authorities and the Office of the Ombudsperson without censorship through anonymous boxes in most prison facilities.

Accommodation

Conditions are substandard in some areas and in some facilities. Problems include poor lighting or ventilation in some cells, dilapidated kitchens and toilets, lack of hot water, and inadequate or no bedding in some prison and detention facilities.

Correction officials described overcrowding as a minor seasonal problem that worsened during cold months because many individuals who committed minor crimes ask to serve their 3 to 6-month sentences during the winter, when time away from farming has a less negative impact on family incomes. Corrections authorities try to accommodate these requests.

Food and diet

You will be served 3 meals per day. The medical staff check the food and its nutritional value.

Hygiene

Equipment and tools for personal hygiene provide sufficient privacy and are maintained and cleaned regularly.

You have the right to keep following hygienic equipment:

• 1 bar of soap
• 1 shaving razor which will be held in an officers’ room unless otherwise specified by the prison
• 1 container of shaving foam and 1 shaving brush
• 1 plastic bottle of shampoo
• 1 toothpaste and one tooth brush and
• 1 comb

Work and study

If you are capable of working, you have the right and obligation to work and are paid every month. This works is designed to help you gain, maintain, and develop your working capabilities, working practices, and professional knowledge in order to readjust in the society after you have served your sentence.

Contact and languages

Contact with inmates is usually not restricted.

Prison guards rarely speak English. Prisons do not provide specialised language classes for prisoners. UK nationals who are detained or serving a sentence in Kosovo can request language materials, including dictionaries and phrase books, from Prisoners Abroad.

Prisoners and detainees have limited access to internet and cannot use their own electronic devices.

Exercise

Cultural, recreational and sport activities, as well as other activities, are organised, with the help of public and private organisations interested in reintegrating convicted people into the community.

Climate

Kosovo has a mild continental climate. Summers are long and dry and winters are mild and rainy, with heavy snowfall.

Religion

You are allowed to follow your religion and have visits from representatives of your faith, such as clerics. Prisons and detention facilities offer modified menus for observance of holidays, including for religious fasting.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

When you arrive in prison prisoners you will be told about the internal regulations and about your rights and duties in a language you understand.

Prisons have a set system for rewarding and sanctioning good or bad behaviour.

If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs you will be punished accordingly. You may also lose your prison job and be sent to a period of confinement.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 3 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day) if your family is unable to provide you with financial support.
• family members or friends who are in Kosovo can deposit money directly to the prison. The embassy can advise them how to do this

Money received from family or friends in the UK will be converted into local currency. Consular staff will then transfer your funds to prison authorities.

Money sent to you will be deposited in your prison account, where this facility is available, or the prison authorities will inform you how to access the money available to you. Consular staff cannot be responsible for the loss of funds by the prison authorities.

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. You cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office operates a service which allows you to pay funds to us in the UK which we will pay out in local currency to the above overseas. The various ways you can pay us are detailed below.

Under the Consular Fees Order of 2016 to 2017, we are obliged to charge for this service. The fee is dependent on the amount that you wish to transfer:

Amount being sent	Fee
One monthly payment up to £100	No fee
Each additional payment or amount of £0.01 to £99.99	£10
Each additional payment or amount of £100 to £499.99	£25
Each additional payment or amount of £500 and above	£50

When forwarding funds, you should add the above fee to the amount that you wish to transfer. For example, if you want the recipient to receive £150, you will need to send us £175 (£150 to forward plus £25 fee).

If other friends and family also plan to transfer funds in the same month, you should consider coordinating payments so you know what FCDO fees to expect. We retain the right to further deduct any local overseas charges we may incur in passing the fees to the recipient.

You can also receive money directly from family and friends by a bank transfer into the prison’s bank account. Ask your family to get in touch with the British Embassy in Pristina for details. Alternatively you can ask your lawyer to get the prison’s bank details for you.

There are 2 options to transfer funds to British Nationals Overseas via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Note that we can only advance funds to the person overseas once your payment has cleared in our account.

1. Electronic bank transfers

Payment by electronic/ internet bank transfer can be made either using online or telephone banking, or at your local bank or building society.

For all bank transfers, you will need to include the following details:

Bank National Westminster Bank

Account Name: FCDO Multi Vote

Sort Code: 60-70-80

Account number: 10012362

Reference: FCDO case reference number surname and initials of the person you are sending the funds for. For example, CON-1234 Smith J or 11-THB-123456 Smith J

IBAN GB56NWBK60708010012362

SWIFT/BIC NWBKGB2L

You may also need our bank address which is: Government Banking Cst, Po Box 2027, Parklands, De Havilland Way, Horwich, Bolton, BL6, 4YU.

2. By post

Payments by Postal Order, Bankers Draft, Building Society Cheque or personal cheque should be crossed and made payable to ‘The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’. They should be sent to:

The Cashier
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
PO Box 7654
Milton Keynes
MK11 9NQ

We recommend that you use special delivery.

Make sure you include a note briefly explaining who the money is for, why you are sending these funds and quoting the case reference number. You may want to include these payment details

To: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

CASEBOOK reference number:

Date:

Please find enclosed funds for:

Full Name:

Country/ place the above is in: Account enclosed:

Fee to be deducted:

Payment method:

My name is:

My address is:

If you would like a receipt, include a stamped addressed envelope.

Note that it can take approximately 15 days for personal cheques to clear and for payment to be received. Write the cheque guarantee number and expiry date, and the COMPASS reference number, on the back of the cheque.

We are unable to receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to help you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, Kosovo is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

Medical aid and hospital treatment are provided. You have the right to health care free of charge. If you cannot be offered appropriate medical treatment in the correctional facility, you may be sent to a prison hospital, psychiatric institution, or another health care institution.

On request, the director of the correctional facility may also give you permission to have a medical examination at a private clinic, without obtaining a formal recommendation by a medical officer. However, in this situations you will pay the costs of the examination unless the director decides otherwise.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Once a month, you are permitted to receive parcels containing items for personal use. All parcels are carefully examined before delivery in the presence of the prisoner.

Parcels from family or friends should be sent directly to the prison. Parcels sent to the British embassy will not be forwarded to you. Parcels must have the name and details of the sender.

Telephone calls

You have the right to make phone calls after you have received permission.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider.

With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

If you wish to file a complaint, consult your local lawyer, contact the prison officials or write to us so that we take your concerns forward.

Chapter 3: The Kosovo judicial system

Overview

This general information provided by the local authorities. The embassy is not responsible for any inaccuracies. You may wish to check the accuracy of it with your local lawyer.

The criminal procedure in Kosovo is regulated by the Criminal Code of Kosovo that came into force on 1 January 2013.

The Criminal Code outlines crimes and their potential punishments. The Criminal Procedure Code outlines the implementation of the criminal justice system.

Before a criminal proceeding is initiated by the State Prosecutor, the police may take initial steps to investigate a criminal act. These initial steps may be followed by a report to the state prosecutor, who may initiate the investigation stage. The investigation stage is then followed by the indictment and plea stage.

After this, the proceeding enters the main trial stage and then finally the legal remedy stage. Legal remedies, or appeals, can be sought after the final judgment or during the criminal proceedings, as the law allows.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What happens when you are arrested

Local police candy arrest someone if they have a warrant that is based on evidence and issued by a judge or prosecutor, except when they comes across a crime in progress. Kosovo law requires prosecutors to charge people they arrest within 6 hours in a language they understand.

Authorities must bring arrestees before a judge within 48 hours or release them. The law requires authorities to ensure detainees prompt access to a lawyer of their choice or one provided by the state. It also allows suspects to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions except those concerning their identity, to obtain the free assistance of an interpreter and to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer.

Length of remand

After your arrest, you may be held in detention on remand for a maximum period of one month from the date of arrest. After that date, you can only be held following a ruling by the appropriate judge. The judge has discretion over the amount of time you can be held on remand based on findings. If the criminal offence being investigated is punished by less than five years imprisonment, the judge may not order detention on remand that exceeds 4 months.

This means that if you have been in detention for the initial one month, the judge cannot extend the detention by more than three additional months. Decisions of the judge can be appealed at the Court of Appeals.

For more serious crimes, longer detentions on remand are possible. However, unless an indictment is filed, the law does not allow detention on remand to exceed 18 months from the day of arrest. If the indictment is not filed within this window, you must be released.

After you are charged

After formal charges have been laid, you must be informed of the following rights:

• the right to notify a third person
• the right to access a lawyer
• the right to challenge the lawfulness of detention
• remain silent
• notify the embassy of your country of origin

If you do not understand the local language they are charged in you should be provided with an authorised and licensed translator by the local police.

After the initial arrest, you can be detained for an initial period of 24 hours. The prosecutor has the power to extend the detention during this period to a maximum of 72 hours. After 72 hours, you must either be released, or taken to court, which will decide whether or not to extend your detention.

If a court orders detention for a longer period, you will be transferred to the nearest custodial facility, for example, a detention centre where you may remain until charge or trial.

Bail

According to the Criminal Code of Kosovo, it is possible to apply for bail if you are awaiting trial. Bail amounts and conditions are set by the presiding judge. You should make your application for bail through your lawyer at the first stage of accusations.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see a list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

According to local law, Kosovo authorities will provide you with a lawyer and translator if you cannot afford one. If you have funds to pay for a lawyer of your choice and wish to exercise this option, we recommend that you retain one as quickly as possible, so the lawyer can participate in the early stages of your case.

Trial

On your trial day you will be taken to the court office where your case is being handled.

If you don’t speak Albanian, the court will be responsible for hiring an interpreter to assist you during the trial.

Trials are public, and the law gives you the following rights:

• to be presumed innocent

• to be informed promptly and in detail of charges

• to be present at your trial

• to remain silent and not to be compelled to testify or confess guilt

• to confront adverse witnesses

• to see evidence

• to have legal representation

• to appeal

Sentences

Sentences vary greatly in Kosovo and will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer will be best placed to advice on length of sentences and on any appeals process.

Appeals

Either party may seek legal remedies for decisions by the basic court with the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals serves as the second-instance court for the basic courts on all decisions. Above the Court of Appeals is the Supreme Court of Kosovo. An appeal against a judgment by the Basic Court must be filed within 15 days of the judgment being served.

If the appeal contains new evidence and facts, the appellant must give reasons for failing to present them previously. Likewise, the appellant cannot assert grounds for appeal not raised in the Basic Court, unless they assert an extraordinary reason or new evidence.

There are limited times when a Court of Appeals decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court:

1. if the Court of Appeals has modified a judgment of acquittal by the Basic Court and rendered a judgment of conviction instead

2. if either the Basic Court or Court of Appeals has imposed a sentence of life-long imprisonment

Most rulings are appealable unless specifically prohibited by law. Rulings made by a pre-trial review panel or in connection with the preparation for a main trial can only be challenged in an appeal against the judgment. Like an appeal against a judgment, an appeal against a ruling must be filed with the court that made the ruling within three days. The ruling is stayed pending the appeal. The Basic Court then transmits the appeal to the Court of Appeals.

The law empowers the Supreme Court to hear Requests for Extraordinary Legal Remedies. These remedies include the reopening of criminal proceedings within two years of the final judgment or ruling, extraordinary mitigation of punishment while imprisoned, or protection of legality within three months of the final judgment or ruling.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

You may be able to apply to be released after serving 3 quarters of the sentence. You should apply to the prison authorities who. They will assess your application for early release and submit their proposal to the court for approval.

Early release

The requirements to apply for parole are defined by law and you can find out more information from your lawyer or prison staff.

Clemency or pardon

In Kosovo, pardon or clemency can only be given by the President of the Republic of Kosovo who decides upon the written application filed by either the convicted individual, or their relatives. The President requests further information from the Ministry of Justice. Proposals for pardon/clemency are reviewed by the Professional Commission prior to the President’s verdict. A pardon or clemency means that, although the prison sentence will end, you will still have a criminal record.

Financial penalties

Depending on the severity of your crime, you may be subject to a fine. If you do not pay the criminal fine ordered by the courts you may be required to serve time in prison or to carry out community work instead of paying the fine.

Transfer to another prison within Kosovo

Transfers are permitted when there are exceptional and compassionate reasons for doing so. You should apply to the prison authorities.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

There is no prisoner transfer agreement between the UK and Kosovo.

Release and deportation

When the court decides to expel a foreigner from Kosovo, in accordance with the Criminal Code of Kosovo, it immediately sends the judgment and all information in its possession to the police station in the area.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK after they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with for advice, temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoner Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing.

If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with people

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 to 93 Fonthill Road
London
N4 3JH
UK

Glossary of terms

Key phrases and useful legal terms: English into Albanian

The Albanian language is pronounced phonetically (read as it’s written).

English	Albanian
Access to file (by Lawyer)	E drejta e informimit mbi dosjen (nga avokati)

Adjudication	Vendim
Administration of justice	Administrim i drejtësisë, i mbarëvajtjes së proceseve gjyqësore, ekonomi gjyqësore
Appeal	Apel, rekurs
Appeal for error	Ankim për gabime procedure
Appeal or complaint	Apel ose ankimim
Appellate Court	Gjykata e Apelit
Application	Aplikim
Application forms (prison)	Formulare aplikimi (shërbimi korrektues)
Army	Ushtria
Bar Association	Dhoma Avokateve
Basic Court	Gjykata themelore
Blood test	Analize gjaku
Charge	Akuze
Chief Prosecutor	Prokuror
Chief Public Prosecutor	Prokuror
Civil party in criminal trial	Pala civile ne ceshtje penale
Code of criminal procedure	Kodi I Procedures Penale
Complaints system	Sistemi I ankimit
Completed file	Dosje perfunduar
Compulsory prosecution	Ndjekje penale e detyrueshme
Conjugal Visit	Vizite intime
Court file reference	Referenca e dosjes se gjyqit
Criminal code	Kodi Penal
Criminal prosecution by victim	Ndjekja penale mbi bazën e ankimit të viktimës, palës së dëmtuar
Custody hearing	Seanca e vleresimit te mases se arrestit
Custody order	Vendimi i mases se arrestit
Danger of interfering with the course of justice	Rreziku i nderhyrjes ne hetim/sistemin e drejtesise
Danger of repeated criminal offences	Rrezik i vepres penale te perseritur
Deportation order	Urdher Deportimi
Duty of obedience	Detyrimi për bindje
Evaluation of evidence	Vleresimi I provave
Expert Witness	Deshmia e ekspertit
Extradition	Ekstradim
File	Dosje
Final public trial	Gjykimi përfundimtar
Guilty	Fajtor
Imprisonment after conviction	Burgosje pas denimit
Insubordination to officer	Mosbindje ndaj Oficerit
Interpreter	Përkthyes
Investigating Judge	Hetues
Judge	Gjykatës
Jurisdiction	Juridiksion
Lawyer	Avokat
Legal remedy	Rregullim ligjor
Local prison rules	Rregullat lokale te burgjeve/shërbimeve korrektuese
Major offence	Krim i rende
Master of the pre-trial	Drejtues i seancave paraprake
Minimal (culpability)	Minimumi i nevojshëm për shpalljen fajtor
Minister of Justice	Ministër I Drejtësisë
Minor offence	Krime të lehta
Money earned in prison	Para te fituara ne burg
Notary	Noter
Officer of the Court	Oficer Gjyqësor
Opposition	Opozitë / kundërshtar
Penal order	Urdhër (vendim) penal
Penal proceeding	Procedim Penal
Permit, entitlement	Leje
Personal money in prison	Para personale ne burg
Physical examination	Kontroll fizik
Police	Policia
Police Officer	Oficer Policie
Power of Attorney	Prokurë
Preliminary detention	Ndalim ose paraburgim
Presiding Judge	Kryetar i trupit gjykues
Presumption of innocence	Prezumimi i pafajësisë
Prison	Burg
Prison administration	Administrata e Burgut
Prison Assessment Unit	Njësia për vlerësimin e burgut
Prison Director	Drejtor Burgu
Prison house rules	Rregullat të burgut
Prison newspaper	Gazeta e burgut
Prison rule book	Rregullore e burgut
Prison rules regarding supervised visit	Rregullore e burgut për vizitat e mbikëqyrura
Prisoners	i/e Burgosur
Procedural complaint against official	Ankesë proçeduriale kundrejt zyrtarit
Proof of evidence	Prova
Prosecutions Office	Prokuroria e Pergjithshme
Prosecutor	Prokuror
Public Prosecutor’s Office	Zyra e Prokurorit
Punishment cell	Dhoma e Izolimit
Rehabilitation	Rehabilitim
Release	Lirim
Release order	Urdher Lirimi
Security	Siguria
Social Worker	Punonjës Social
Supreme Court	Gjykata Supreme
Suspended sentence	Vendim i pezulluar
Temporary detention	Ndalim i perkohshëm
The accused	i/e akuzuari
To buy	blej
To change money	Shkembim parash
To deport	Deboj
To file an application	Dorëzoj nje aplikim
Transfer to another prison	Transferim ne burg tjetër
Trial	Gjykim
Valid or legal	i/e vlefshme ose i/e ligjshem
Visit	Vizitë
Visiting permit	Leje per te vizituar

Numbers in Albanian

Numbers	Numrat (Albanian)
1	Një
2	Dy
3	Tre
4	Katër
5	Pesë
6	Gjashtë
7	Shtatë
8	Tetë
9	Nentë
10	Dhjetë
11	Njëmbëdhjetë
12	Dymbëdhjetë
13	Trembëdhjetë
14	Katërmbëdhjetë
15	Pesëmbëdhjetë
16	Gjashtëmbëdhjetë
17	Shtatëmbëdhjetë
18 ë	Tetëmbëdhjet
19	Nentëmbëdhjetë
20	Njëzet
30	Tridhjetë
40	Dyzet
50	Pesëdhjetë
60	Gjashtëdhjetë
70	Shtatëdhjetë
80	Tetëdhjetë
90	Nëntëdhjetë
100	Njëqind
1000	Njëmijë

General vocabulary

English	Albanian
Food	Ushqim
Apple	Molle
Banana	Banane
Beans	Fasule
Biscuits	Biskota
Bread	Bukë
Cake	Kek
Chicken	Pulë
Coffee	Kafe
Drink	Pije
Eat	Ha
Egg	Vezë
Fruit	Fruta
Hungry	Uritur
Juice	Leng frutash
Meat	Mish
Milk	Qumësht
Omelette	Omeletë
Pancake	Petulla / palaçinka
Rice	Oriz
Sausage	Salçiçe
Sugar	Sheqer
Sweet	Embëlsirë
Vegetables	Perime
Water	Ujë
Cutlery	Servis kuzhine
Cup	filxhan
Fork	pirun
Knife	thikë
Plate	Pjatë
Spoon	Lugë
Good Morning	Mirëmëngjes
Good Afternoon	Mirëdita
Good Night	Natën e mire
Day	Ditë
Week	Javë
Month	Muaj
Monthly	Mujore
Year	Vit
Today	Sot
Tomorrow	Nesër
Tonight	Sonte
Sunday	E Dielë
Monday	E Hënë
Tuesday	E Martë
Wednesday	E Mërkurë
Thursday	E Enjte
Friday	E Premte
Saturday	E Shtunë
Spring	Pranverë
Summer	Verë
Autumn	Vjeshtë
Winter	Dimër
Baby	Bebe
Boy	Djalë
Child	Fëmijë
Father	Baba
Girl	Vajzë
Husband	Burrë / Bashkëshort
Man	Burrë
Money	Para
Mother	Nënë / Mami
Wife	Grua / Bashkëshorte
Woman	Grua
He	Ai
I	Unë
Me	Mua
My	E imja
Yours	E jotja
Her	E saj
His	E tij
Their	E atyre
Them	Ata/ato
You	ju
Yours	E juaja
Borrow	Marr borxh
Close	Mbyll
Closed	Mbyllur
Come	Vij / vjen
Door	Portë / derë
Give	Jap
Here	këtu
Indoors	E Mbyllur
Inside	Brenda
Open	Hapur
Outside	Jashte
Run	Vrapo
Stand	Qendro ne kembe
Stay	Qendro
Stop	Ndal
Turn	Kthehu
Walk	Shetitje
Head	Koke
Hair	Floke
Eye	Sy
Eyes	Syte
Eyebrow	Vetulla
Eyelash	Qerpiku
Eyelid	Kapaku i Syrit
Nose	Hunda
Ear	Vesh
Hearing	Degjim
Mouth	Goja
First	i/e pari
Second	i/e dyta
Third	I/e treti
Fourth	i/e katerti
Fifth	i/e pesti
Sixth	i/e gjashti
Seventh	i/e shtati
Eight	i/e teta
Ninth	i/e nenta
Tenth	i/e dhjeta
Half	Gjysma
In half	Pergjysme
After	Pas
Before	Perpara; me pare
Later	Me vone
Now	Tani
Climate	Klima
Cold	Ftohte
Heat	Vape
Hot	Nxehte
Rain	Shi
Shade	Hije
Sun	Diell
Sunshine	Kohe me diell
Weather	Koha
Wind	Ere
Briefs	Udhezime
Clothes	Rroba
Pullover	Pulover
Shirt	Kemishe
Shorts	Pantallona te shkurtra
Socks	Corape
Trousers	Pantallona
“T” Shirt	Bluze pambuku
Sandals	Sandale
Shoe	Kepuce
Trainers	Atlete
Book	Liber
Cigarettes	Cigare
Dry	Thaj
Lighter	Cakmak
Pen	Stilolaps
Pencil	Laps
Scissors	Gershere
Soap	Sapun
Wash	Lahem
Wash hand	Laj duart
Washing	Larje
Wet	i/e lagur
Bucket	Kove
Shower	Dush
Toothbrush	Furce dhembesh
Toothpaste	Paste dhembesh
Towel	Peshqir
Dream	Enderr
Rest	Pushim
Sleep	Gjume
Sleepy	Pergjumesh
Wake	Zgjim
Bed	Krevat
Bed Sheet	Carcaf krevati
Blanket	Batanije
Mattress	Dyshek
Pillow	Jastek

Annex

• FCDO guidance: support for British nationals abroad

• FCDO guidance: arrested abroad advice for British nationals

• list of English-speaking lawyers in Kosovo

• list of private translators/interpreters in Kosovo

• Prisoners Abroad forms

FCDO leaflet: In Prison Abroad: Transfer to a UK Prison

Prisoners Abroad CFF Form