Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s response regarding the violent episodes that took place at the Holy Church of Saint Athanasios in Drymmades, Himarë

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Konstantinos Koutras stated the following in response to  journalists’ questions regarding violent episodes that took place at the Holy Church of Saint Athanasios in Drymmades, Himarë:

“The reports of violent episodes that took place at the Holy Church of Saint Athanasios in Drymmades, Himarë, give rise to deep concerns.

The violent removal of faithful from, and prevention of faithful from approaching, their place of religious worship, the removal of icons and sacred objects from the Church, as well as the extensive destruction carried out by employees of the Municipality of Himarë, are unacceptable and condemnable acts, regardless of any legal claim, and they are very clearly not components of a country that wants to become a member of the European family.

Respect for religious freedom, protection of places of worship, and the unimpeded performance of religious duties are a sine qua non of rule of law and fundamental elements of the Community acquis and European institutional culture.

We thus expect the Albanian government to provide explanations and take immediate measures on the issue.

The Greek Embassy in Tirana and our Consular Authorities in the area have been instructed to closely monitor and follow up on the issue.”