At today's public debate on the Draft Probation Law, the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, emphasized that the new legal solution represents a significant step towards the establishment of a modern, more efficient and improved system for enforcement of sanctions and the application of probation measures.
With the law, the role of the probation service is strengthened and the organizational position of the sanction enforcement system is improved.
"With this legal solution, we are establishing a clear and modern probation system that brings three key results: more effective enforcement of measures in communities, stronger resocialization of persons subject to sanctions and a higher level of protection for victims," said Minister Filkov.
The Directorate for Sanctions Enforcement gets an expanded coordination and supervisory role, while the Probation Department is positioned as the central bearer of professional processes. At the same time, a unique electronic register is being established for persons subject to probation measures, which will enable continuous monitoring and good institutional coordination.
The law introduces risk assessment in the course of criminal proceedings, at the request of the court or the Public Prosecutor, which strengthens the professional basis for making decisions and improves the application of alternative measures.
"The new legal framework incorporates high standards for human rights, through protection from torture and inhuman treatment, non-discrimination, protection of personal data and consistent application of the presumption of innocence," said the Minister.
Within the framework of the law, gender-sensitive terminology is introduced, as well as expanded grounds for equal treatment, thereby additionally strengthening the principles of equality and fairness.
A special emphasis is placed on the individual treatment program, which will be the basis for a personalized approach to each person covered by probation measures, with clearly defined goals, activities and supervision time.
The new legal solutions foresee the improvement of the work of probation officers through better tools for field work and electronic monitoring, as well as strengthened coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other competent institutions.
With the law, the house prison measure gets a clear structure through the application of electronic surveillance and clearly defined procedures for dealing with different situations, including medical emergencies.
In the case of parole, a joint assessment system is being established between penitentiary institutions and the probation service, with the aim of improving the relationship between institutional treatment and resocialization in communities.
For the first time, the law also contains a special chapter dedicated to victims of crimes, with concrete obligations for probation services in the direction of their protection, prevention of repeated victimization and timely information, especially in the case of family and gender-based violence.
"The system is becoming more organized, more accountable and well-connected between institutions. Clear rules, precise responsibilities, and measurable procedures for action are being established. The result is greater safety for citizens, a lower risk of repeating criminal acts and more effective justice that operates in the community," said the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov.
The Draft Law on Probation is part of the reform process aimed at modernizing the system for enforcing sanctions and bringing it into line with modern European standards.
