In the high-security facilities of Kosovo’s prison system, the Correctional Service of Kosovo has taken several steps toward creating programs to rehabilitate individuals convicted or suspected of terrorism and other offences.
In July, The Kallxo.com team visited two correctional centres where they became closely acquainted with the resocialisation programs offered to inmates. These programs range from anger management and deradicalisation initiatives to vocational training and psychosocial support.
Dubrava Prison and the High Security Prison in Gerdovc—the two largest correctional facilities in Kosovo—have implemented rehabilitation programs specifically designed for individuals associated with extremism, but also those convicted of other offences. These programs are all part of a larger initiative to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration.
According to Kosovo’s Correctional Service, 168 individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences have passed through the country’s prison system. As of now, 16 remain in custody, either awaiting trial or serving out their sentences in the High Security Prison.
These individuals are considered high-risk and are housed under strict security measures in a separate pavilion.
Rasim Selmani, director of the High Security Prison, explains their dual mission: to maintain security and to reform.
“We currently have a group of inmates convicted for terrorism-related offences. They are held here primarily because of security concerns. However, we also offer rehabilitation programs tailored to their needs. We are currently evaluating half of them who have served at least 50% of their sentence, with the goal that every one of them passes through these rehabilitation programs,” he stated.
Anger management training and “Conversations for Change” are two of these programs. Both are aimed at equipping inmates with emotional regulation and communication skills for life outside of prison.
“The goal is to prepare them for a future in society, particularly by helping them manage anger in high-stress situations,” Selmani added.
Participation in these programs is voluntary, a principle that prison authorities firmly support.
“We consider that anything done through force rarely provides meaningful results,” Selmani remarked. “We encourage voluntary participation, which can also influence assessments for weekend leave, conditional release, or parole.”
Selmani admits that many inmates continue to resist participation in these programs. He suggested the resistance is “[often rooted in ideological beliefs that reject institutional rehabilitation.”
While religious extremism was the dominant concern in the past, prison staff are increasingly trained to recognise and counter a broader range of radical ideologies.
“We’ve seen cases where inmates held deeply extremist views without any religious affiliation. Our staff are now trained to face this evolving challenge.”
Every year, the rehabilitation programs are evaluated, and corrections officials report their progress.
“We work closely with their families, helping to ensure that released individuals become valuable members of their households and communities,” Selmani adds. “But, the process isn’t without its challenges, especially when inmates feel abandoned or unfairly treated by the state,” Selamani continued.
Vocational programs behind bars
Vocational programs inside the High Security Prison in Gerdovc, Kosovo. Photo: BIRN
Rehabilitation in Kosovo’s prisons is not limited to psychosocial programs. Inmates are also offered opportunities for education and work, which are considered essential for their successful reintegration.
Inside the High Security Prison, inmates are involved in various labor programs, including the production of toilet paper for all correctional facilities in Kosovo.
“For us, it’s crucial that once these individuals are released, they don’t return. Employment is key to that transformation. If they’re part of the program, they’re part of the change,” Selmani emphasised.
While these programs are not available to pre-trial detainees, because they are presumed innocent, authorities try to engage as many convicted individuals as possible.
“Our goal is to involve every inmate in some form of work. So far, we’ve succeeded with around 50%. They’ve acquired skill certification, making them better prepared for life after prison.”
Dubrava Prison—Kosovo’s largest correctional facility, is also pioneering rehabilitation programs. It includes an open prison wing and a school centre that offers vocational training.
“This is our library,” said prison director Sami Gashi during a guided tour. “It holds over 300 titles, all managed by the inmates themselves. To prevent religious extremism, literature is screened in collaboration with the Islamic Community of Kosovo to ensure appropriateness.”
“Here, inmates can attend anger management sessions, play sports, read in the library, or participate in practical training programs, including welding and agriculture,” he added.
During the visit by KALLXO.com, over 20 inmates were awarded certificates for completing training in job-readiness and interpersonal skills.
“We currently house 745 inmates,” Gashi explained. “Each new arrival undergoes an assessment, after which they’re assigned to tailored or general rehabilitation programs.”
Since 2019, the prison has intensified efforts to support those convicted for terrorism, with a strong emphasis on specific, long-term programs.
“Our anger management program has proven highly effective,” he added.
Dubrava even built a dedicated unit for terrorism-related cases, although that section now stands empty as those inmates have completed their sentences.
Across Kosovo’s prison system there are more than 10 rehabilitation programs, three of these include anger management classes, the “Conversations for Change” initiative, and a deradicalisation curriculum specifically designed for inmates involved in extremism or terrorism.
From 2021 to 2024, 17 high-risk inmates participated in both pre- and post-release programs. These include preparation for reintegration and close cooperation with probation services.
Ridvan Hoti, a senior official in the Correctional Service, emphasises the two-stage nature of the approach:
“They participate in programs before release and continue after release. It’s a comprehensive effort involving probation officers and reintegration departments in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
Participation in these voluntary programs has more than tripled in recent years, from just 300 participants a few years ago to over 1,200 by the end of 2024.
English version prepared by Ardita Zeqiri