CoE Development Bank (CEB) set to assist Montenegro in improving criminal sanctions system

Podgorica, Montenegro (4 July 2012) -- The technical mission of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) will visit Montenegro in September with the aim to draft a feasibility study on three infrastructure projects in the area of execution of criminal sanctions: building a prison facility for long sentences and the prison hospital in Spuž, and the reconstruction of prison units in Bijelo Polje, concluded the meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Justice and Human Rights Minister Duško Marković had earlier today with Stephan Sellen, Deputy Director General of the CEB.

DPM Marković informed Mr Sellen of the normative and institutional reform of the criminal sanctions system, underlining in particular the promotion of alternative sanctions and enhancing the supervisory position of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in regard to the prison system. He underlined that the most important priorities are the infrastructure projects of building prison facilities and a specialised hospital.

Mr Sellen said he was very pleased with the ongoing reform processes, noting that they represent a clear commitment to the improvement of the criminal sanctions system in Montenegro in accordance with international standards. Mr Sellen informed Mr Marković that the successful cooperation with CEB presupposes clearly defines priorities with realistic time-frames and financial calculations, especially at the time of economic crisis.

The officials also discussed, in the context of CEB’s support to the region, the issue of accommodation for refugees and displaced persons who reside in Montenegro.

The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions (ZIKS) Miljan Perović.