Since the beginning of 1994, AI has received over 100 reports of incidents in which members of the Albanian police are alleged to have ill-treated people during arrest or detention. This report describes a number of illustrative cases, including three where the victim died. Detainees are reported frequently to have suffered injuries, such as bruising, broken teeth or cuts which have needed medical treatment or even admission to hospital. Some cases of ill-treatment have amounted to torture. In at least five cases, the victim died, apparently due to the injuries inflicted. Many of these violations have been directed at members or supporters of the Socialist Party (the renamed communist party). Other victims include homosexuals, members of the Greek minority and former political prisoners. Prosecution of police officers for torture or ill-treatment appears to be rare.
