Moroccan immigrant's suicide, activist: There are inhumane conditions in Gjadra

Activist Kristina Millona spoke about the protest held today in the Gjadri camp following the suicide of a Moroccan immigrant in Turin prison after he had just returned from the Gjadri camp in Albania.

Speaking about the conditions in the camp on MCN TV, she said that there is a record of disturbing incidents, such as attempted self-harm by migrants housed within these structures or even inhumane conditions.

According to her, migrants are transported in handcuffs and in most cases are not even aware that they are being sent to Albania.

" The information we receive is very limited, as an activist and journalist who has followed the agreement, the information comes from monitoring groups from Italy, MPs and legal representatives.

From the conversations held by the monitoring groups, we have seen disturbing developments. There is a record of disturbing incidents, such as attempted self-harm by immigrants housed within these structures.

It also tells of the inhumane conditions these migrants are in. They are transported in handcuffs, and in most cases the migrants are not even aware that they are coming to a country like Albania, to the Gjadri camp.

Another problem is the limitation in legal protection. They have a time limit of 20 minutes to speak from the Gjadri switchboard, to speak with lawyers or family members. 

Italian media have revealed that a migrant in Gjadra is infected with HIV. There are a number of problems that show that the situation in Gjadra is getting worse and many associations and organizations are demanding the closure of the Gjadra camp.

We learned of the suicide from the Italian media. The deceased ended his life 28 hours before the court decision was made, and the lawyer who was legally representing him had often expressed how he felt bad in these structures and how his psychological condition had worsened after a month and two days in Gjadra.

He had expressed concern that he would be better off in prison in Italy than in the Gjadri camp. Derogatory language is used against immigrants in the camp.

It is not known how many migrants are being held in the camp, nor which MEPs are authorized to enter.

There is truly a lack of information regarding the number of people held in Gjadra.

In total, the stay should be a maximum of 18 months, but a reassessment is made every three months, as sometimes there is medical expertise that declares a person unfit to stay within these structures.

Within these structures, Italian legislation is applied, although various organizations have stated that it is impossible to apply Italian legislation in the same way as in the European Union.

The responsibilities of the Albanian state are very limited, because it is the principle of extraterritoriality and it is already called Italian land, but there is also the engagement of external structures, as the outer perimeter is guarded by Albanian police who patrol the area.

"Just because it's under Italian jurisdiction doesn't mean civil society organizations shouldn't have a voice," she said.