Violent incident in Gjadër migrant camp leaves three injured

Three migrants were injured with knives following a violent incident inside the Gjadër migrant camp, just days after the facility began housing individuals transferred from Italy. While the altercation took place on Albanian soil, Albanian authorities say that given the agreement, the event is considered to have occurred within Italian jurisdiction.

Why is this important: The Gjadër camp, opened under a bilateral agreement between Italy and Albania, is officially managed by Italian authorities. The incident underscores early tensions and safety concerns inside the camp, which hosts migrants denied asylum in Italy — many of whom, according to Italian officials, have criminal records.

Context: The violent episode occurred on April 15, only four days after 40 migrants arrived at the camp via the vessel Libra. According to Italian media and authorities, around 20 migrants caused damage inside the facility — vandalizing their rooms and breaking equipment. Three individuals suffered minor stab wounds during the unrest.

Italian officials responded by isolating those involved and placing them under monitoring. The Albanian police and prosecution said they were informed but not involved in the incident.

“Albania is not part of the incident and unrest in Gjadër. The event is considered to have occurred on Italian territory,” sources told journalist Anila Hoxha of Top Channel.

Who are the migrants: Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, confirmed to Italian media that the group housed in Gjadër includes individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, including attempted murder, sexual violence, assault, child pornography, theft, robbery, and drug offenses.

These migrants were denied asylum in Italy and transferred to Albania under a deal signed by the Meloni government. They are to remain at the Gjadër camp until they can be deported to their countries of origin. The maximum stay permitted is 18 months.

Gjadër’s evolving role: Originally intended as a temporary holding center for rescued migrants at sea, the Gjadër facility now operates under a new framework as a detention center for individuals Italy intends to repatriate. The change was part of a broader migration strategy adopted by the Italian government aimed at expediting returns and reducing pressure on its own asylum system.