Balkans: February 21, 2001

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IWPR (Institute for War and Peace Reporting) ran a superb report on judicial inadequacy and corruption in Albania. Honest judges are subject to threats by criminals. IWPR noted that Albania is trying to reform its judicial system. In 1997, a new magistrates school was opened, to train new judges and prosecutors, but the school apparently only produces a couple of dozen a year. The Albanian government intends to raise judicial salaries, build new court rooms, and seek international help in improving its judicial system.