Skopje, 4 October 2024 (MIA) - One prisoner costs the state budget about 2,100 denars per day or over EUR 10,000 per year, depending on the prison. There are currently 2,400 prisoners in the country and as many are waiting to enter the prisons, said head of the Directorate for the Execution of Sanctions, Aleksandar Pandov.

He pointed out that reduction of the prison population can be done in three ways - through parole, electronic surveillance and better resocialization of convicts, because 60 percent are returnees.

"Unfortunately, Macedonia should have had a completely new prison in Idrizovo by now, but apart from phase one, nothing has been done. Unfortunately, the money provided is now under moratorium. There should be an inspection next week and I hope to unfreeze those funds next year," Pandov said. 

According to him, about 400 people are currently qualified to use prison leave and work engagement.

Pandov, among other things, noted that there will be a completely new detention department for 400 people in Idrizovo.

Currently, about 50 people are serving life sentences in the country.

Photo: print screen