Aulon Kalaja Becomes Third Albanian Journalist Declared “Non Grata” by Greece

 Following Marin Mema and Artan Hoxha, journalist Aulon Kalaja has also been declared “Non Grata” by the Greek government, meaning he is officially banned from entering Greek territory. The news was confirmed by Kalaja himself through a post on his social media accounts, sparking widespread discussions within the Albanian community both in Albania and abroad. According to Kalaja, Greece has accused him of racism and endangering national security, allegations he strongly denies.

 Aulon Kalaja in the middle, Artan Hoxha on the left and Marin Mema, and the Greek Parliament on the background (Montage)

Kalaja shared a detailed statement explaining that despite his repeated efforts, he was unable to initiate any judicial process in Greece. "My Greek lawyers—three in total—withdrawn from my case immediately after their first contact with Greek police," Kalaja wrote. He added that without exhausting the Greek judicial system, he cannot appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. Feeling wronged and convinced of his innocence, he decided to make the news public.

In his message, Kalaja expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the “Non Grata” designation. He emphasized that he has never made racist statements or committed any actions violating Greek law. He also described the personal difficulties this label has caused him while traveling in Europe, including being singled out at border crossings. Despite these challenges, he stated that he has not changed his passport and continues to move internationally, demonstrating resilience in the face of these obstacles.

The Context Behind the Decision

Kalaja believes the measure against him is directly related to two aspects of his professional and activist life: his activism and his work as a journalist.

Firstly, Kalaja, along with a group of patriotic activists, organized protests in front of the Albanian Prime Minister’s Office and across 20 Albanian cities. These protests opposed maritime agreements with Greece under Prime Ministers Edi Rama and Alexis Tsipras, advocating for reciprocity and the protection of the Cham issue. These actions, he says, contributed to the failure of the maritime agreement—a political development he considers a success for Albania.

Secondly, Kalaja produced a documentary titled Justice for Pëllumb, which investigates the death of Pëllumb Marnikollaj, a young Albanian who died in a police station in Athens in August 2016. While Greek authorities claimed Marnikollaj committed suicide, Kalaja’s documentary provides evidence suggesting he was killed by police officers. The film also highlights cases of over 200 other Albanians who suffered violence at the hands of Greek authorities, raising serious human rights concerns.

Personal and Legal Implications

Kalaja disclosed that he first learned about his “Non Grata” status on July 20, 2019, while traveling at the Greek-Albanian border at Qafë Botë with his family. He was surprised to find the label stamped on his passport, while his family members faced no issues. Despite repeated attempts, he could not access official documentation explaining the reasons or the legal basis for the measure.

He also revealed that the Greek authorities’ decision violates proper legal procedures, as he was denied the right to appeal. In response, he plans to pursue legal action through the European Court of Human Rights to restore his dignity and seek justice. Kalaja insists that the measure is politically motivated, linked to his protests against Greek maritime agreements and his journalistic work exposing abuses against Albanians.

Aulon Kalaja’s Commitment to Albania

Despite facing this controversy, Kalaja reaffirmed his patriotism and commitment to Albania. He emphasized that neither legal obstacles nor personal attacks will deter him from advocating for Albanian rights and justice. "I love Albania, and no designation, however unjust, will prevent me from being a patriot for my country," he wrote.

Kalaja’s case has sparked reactions in Albania, particularly among political and activist circles, highlighting ongoing tensions between Albania and Greece over historical, political, and human rights issues. His story underscores the challenges faced by journalists and activists who confront sensitive cross-border issues while advocating for accountability.

The designation of Aulon Kalaja as “Non Grata” by Greece has drawn significant attention to the intersection of activism, journalism, and international law. Kalaja remains steadfast in defending his rights and challenging the Greek authorities’ actions through appropriate legal channels. For the Albanian community, this case is a reminder of the importance of advocacy, the protection of human rights, and the courage required to stand against injustice.

Kalaja’s pursuit of justice continues, and his story will likely remain a reference point for Albanian activists and journalists working to protect human rights both domestically and abroad.