An Italian Member of the European Parliament has accused the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of hiding the truth about a controversial migrant detention centre in Albania. The MEP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that conditions at the centre are far worse than officially reported, including allegations of inadequate food, medical care, and overcrowding.
Allegations of Cover-Up
The MEP stated that the government has deliberately withheld information from the public and European partners about the centre, which was established under a bilateral agreement between Italy and Albania. "The government has not been transparent about the real situation. There are serious human rights concerns that are being ignored," the MEP said.
According to the MEP, internal documents and testimonies from former staff indicate that detainees have been held for extended periods without proper legal assistance, and some have reported physical and psychological abuse. The centre, located near the port of Shëngjin, was designed to process migrants intercepted in Italian waters, but the MEP claims it has become a de facto detention facility.
Government Response
In response, a spokesperson for the Italian government denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated." The spokesperson insisted that the centre operates in full compliance with international law and that migrants are treated with dignity. "The agreement with Albania is a model for managing migration in a humane and orderly manner," the spokesperson added.
However, the MEP countered that independent inspections have been blocked, and that the government has refused to release detailed reports on the centre's operations. "We have requested access multiple times, but we have been denied. This lack of transparency is deeply concerning," the MEP said.
Broader Implications
The controversy comes amid broader debates in Europe over migration policy, with Italy pushing for more external processing centres. Human rights groups have long criticized such arrangements, arguing they shift responsibility and undermine asylum protections. The European Commission has yet to comment on the specific allegations but has previously expressed support for Italy's efforts to manage migration.
The MEP has called for an independent investigation by the European Union and for the suspension of transfers to the centre until conditions are verified. "The European Parliament must act to ensure that fundamental rights are not sacrificed in the name of migration control," the MEP concluded.
