For Immediate Release 20 June 2023
The International Committee ‘In Search of Justice’ (ISJ) condemns the Albanian Government for enabling between 700 and 1,000 police to violently attack defenceless Iranian refugees residing in Ashraf-3, their compound near Manza, Durres. In this attack a member of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI), Ali Mostashari, was killed and over a hundred men and women were injured. Many have been taken to hospital in Tirana. This was an unprovoked attack without prior warning, clearly indicating that the Albanian authorities were reacting to a diktat from the tyrannical Iranian regime.
Mr. Genc Gjokutaj, an Albanian lawyer acting on behalf of the PMOI, has stated publicly that one 65-year-old person has been confirmed as having died as a result of the police attack. He emphasized that no resistance was offered by the Iranian residents and has called for a forensic examination to be carried out. According to Mr. Gjokutaj, the police used rubber batons and tear gas. The deceased individual was physically injured and exposed to tear gas. Mr. Gjokutaj stated that the investigation should be serious and all persons responsible for this incident should be held accountable.
This kind of illegal and brutal treatment of refugees is not standard practice in the West, and most certainly not from a country seeking imminent EU membership. The widespread use of rubber batons, tear gas and pepper spray on residents caused the death of Mr Mostashari and the severe injuries to many others. This surely cannot be acceptable legal conduct in a democratic European country? The Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and his government, must be strongly warned to stop all these illegal actions if they really are committed to democracy, the rule of law, and combating the terrorism and tyranny of the mullahs’ regime.
ISJ strongly condemns the action of the Albanian government, urges the UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to condemn the raid on Ashraf-3 and calls for all people who hold dear the core principles of freedom, democracy and justice, to protest and to show their support for the oppressed Iranian people.