The Regional Conference on the challenges of post-penal approaches for those convicted of criminal offenses of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as those convicted of extremism for the countries of the Western Balkans, was held in Durrës. The conference was organized within the regional program of the Council of Europe “For the strengthening of cooperation in the management of violent extremism in prisons and the prevention of extremism after release”, supported by the European Commission.

This regional conference gathered in Durrës high representatives of state institutions, national coordinators against extremism, representatives of local authorities and actors of civil society.

On behalf of the Center (CVE) as co-organizer and representing Albania as the host country of this event, this conference was greeted by Mr. Denion Meidani, director of the Coordination Center against Violent Extremism. He made an exposition of the efforts of state institutions in the preparation of intervention plans and reintegration programs for convicts on the verge of release and the efforts of the CVE Center to coordinate interventions based on individual needs, in order to avoid recidivism.

During this conference, important issues were addressed that guide holistic approaches to preparation for release and good practices in the Western Balkans, mechanisms for ensuring the continuation of the rehabilitation of those convicted of terrorism, marginalized prisoners preparing for release, in a community environment and modalities and good practices for their rehabilitation while held in penal institutions.