Minister of Denmark: Everything must be renovated in Gjilan prison

Justice Minister in Denmark Nick Hækkerup has said that everything in the Gjilan prison, where it is scheduled to house criminals who have been expelled from Denmark, must be renovated.

“For prison can be said to have been built with external financing as part of the reconstruction of Kosovo after the Balkan wars. The object was completed in 2016 and is therefore a relatively new building. However, there is a need for prison to undergo a series of adjustments and improvements before putting on f+8unction”, the minister said in a response to MP Rosa Lund from the “Unity List”. This party is not involved in the deal and is against renting prisons abroad.

These are people who should be in Danish prison. That's why we on the Unity List believe it's important that conventions be respected. My fundamental concern is whether we are respecting human rights, or whether we can monitor a prison so far from Denmark”, she said.

It is a prerequisite for the expelled convicts to serve their sentence on Danish terms. And in response, this is planned that can happen by the beginning of 1923.

But before that, there's a considerable job to do with prison. A group of experts is in the process of assessing the conditions.

“Other than that, extending cells, kitchen and toilet conditions, creating employment environments, entertainment and visit, creating office space for Danish staff, providing conditions, repairing small mold performance, airing, IT infrastructure and other security aspects should be taken into account”, the minister said further.

Denmark has been negotiating an agreement with Kosovo on renting the prison for 10 years.