Vandalism of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Korytsa
15.10.2015
Question for written answer E-013854-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georgios Epitideios (NI)
Once again an Orthodox Greek church has been desecrated, no doubt putting Greeks in Northern Epirus in mind of the oppressive and illiberal Hotza regime.
On 5 October 2015, the Church of the Virgin Mary in Korytsa was pillaged by vandals who broke the doors and windows of the church and stole the money left by the faithful in the collection box.
It should be noted that this is the only chapel in the vicinity, as the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was destroyed by the Hotza regime.
It should further be noted that dozens of Greek churches are being demolished or desecrated by the Albanian State or by extremists to which the State is turning a blind eye.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- —Does it intend to demand that the Albanian Government respect and safeguard the religious freedoms of Greeks in Northern Epirus?
- —The violation of human rights by the Albanian State suggests that either the EU has not commented on this unacceptable behaviour or the Albanian Government is indifferent to such comments. Which of the two is it?
- —Will these incidents affect Albania’s accession prospects?