The problem of detention capacity in Canton Sarajevo (CS) has now finally been resolved. On July 3rd, the B complex of the detention unit was ceremoniously opened on Igman, while the rest of the complex is in its final phase. After obtaining the last permit, it will also be opened.
This is the largest detention unit in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, which will use the most modern security equipment. The complex will house 55 convicts, and 20 million BAM was spent on its construction. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) allocated 11 million, while the European Union (EU) provided the remaining nine million BAM.
“This is a historic project because, after 112 years, prison and detention units have been relocated from the city center, and better working conditions for employees have been created. This can be a model for all institutions of this type in terms of which direction they should go, both in our country and in the region,” emphasized Munib Isakovic, director of the Sarajevo Correctional Facility.
The prison system is a reflection of the state, believes Vedran Skobic, Minister of Justice of the FBiH.
“Of course, through all police structures, because by strengthening this system, we are sending a message to crime and deviant behavior that we have space for them and that those who dare to act outside the law will be accommodated here,” said Skobic.
The prison complex consists of four buildings, including an administrative building, a police building, a service building, and a special detention unit building with accompanying infrastructure.
Construction began in October 2020, and it was originally planned for the prison to be opened by the end of 2024. In the meantime, other prisons have been overcrowded.
The previous practice of housing prisoners from Sarajevo in the Zenica Correctional Facility greatly complicated operations and even posed a security risk.
“So far, we have had situations where those prisoners were in Zenica Correctional Facility or other Correctional Facilities in the country. From a security, financial, and every other aspect, that complicated our work,” said Dzenad Groso, director of the Court Police of the FBiH.
In addition to new prison cells, working conditions have also been improved for prison police officers.
“We have finally resolved that prison police officers have a quality retirement, just like the police in the FBiH. In addition to prison police officers, there is also the court police with quality personnel. We have given full support for the opening of the complex and for our prison police officers not to go to Zenica, but to stay here in Sarajevo,” emphasizes Samir Kurtovic from the Union of Civil Servants of BiH.
According to the latest announcements, the rest of the complex will not take long to open. On 3.500 square meters, a facility has been built in which prisoners of the Municipal and Cantonal Courts will be housed.
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