Key facts
- European lawmakers were prevented from conducting a full inspection of an Italian-run migrant detention center in Gjadër, Albania.
- Staff at the facility reportedly refused to provide key information, such as the number of detainees, and denied access to cells.
- An Italian MEP suggested the Italian government might be attempting to conceal the truth about the conditions within the center.
- Testimony from detainees described their existence as one of 'limbo and alienation', with reports of widespread use of psychotropic drugs.
- Six suicide attempts and other acts of self-harm were reported at the facility since mid-May.
- The Gjadër center is part of a controversial deal between Italy and Albania to process asylum seekers intercepted at sea.
European lawmakers were reportedly blocked from conducting a full inspection of an Italian-run migrant detention center in Gjadër, Albania. MEPs from the Greens/EFA group stated that facility staff refused to provide key information, such as the number of people held, and denied access to cells. Cristina Guarda, an Italian MEP, suggested the Italian government might be trying to 'hide the truth' about the conditions.
Guarda described testimony from those they could speak to as depicting a daily existence of 'limbo and alienation,' and cited an official register of 'critical events' detailing six suicide attempts and other acts of self-harm since mid-May. She also noted 'sweltering' heat and the constant use of psychotropic drugs, with detainees filling their time by sleeping due to a lack of activities.
The facility in Gjadër is part of a controversial five-year deal between Italy and Albania, costing an estimated €130-140 million annually. The pact aims to process asylum applications of adult men intercepted at sea by Italian vessels and detain refused asylum seekers pending deportation. The deal has faced legal challenges, with Italian judges rejecting many transfers on grounds that migrants' countries of origin were unsafe for repatriation. Although official figures are unavailable, the Gjadër facility, primarily used for pre-expulsion detention, is believed to host around 70-80 people. The combined facilities are designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 people, with a cap of 3,000 at any one time.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed determination to make the initiative work, despite failing to meet her government's original goal of sending 36,000 people a year to the centres. A visit by senators from her party in April described the Gjadër facility as 'modern, efficient and in excellent condition.' Tineke Strik, a Dutch MEP who was part of the delegation, called the visit 'disappointing and disgraceful' due to the obstacles created by staff. Cecilia Strada, a politician with Italy's Democratic party, called for explanations from the Italian government and the European Commission regarding the MEPs' inability to verify respect for human rights.