EDP demands answers from Meta over suspension of Albanian opposition and protest accounts
The European Democratic Party has formally asked Meta for urgent clarification and brought the case before the European Commission following the suspension of dozens of Instagram accounts linked to Albanian opposition figures, activists and the ongoing anti-government protest movement.
Brussels, 3 September 2026 — The European Democratic Party (EDP) expresses serious concern over the sudden suspension of a significant number of Instagram accounts belonging to Albanian opposition figures, activists and pages covering the ongoing protests in the country.
Albanian media have confirmed the closure of at least 23 accounts, including those of opposition MP and Mundësia leader Agron Shehaj and activist Gent Progni. Independent MP Marjana Koçeku has reported that more than 200 Instagram pages publishing protest-related content may have been affected.
The EDP has today sent a formal request for clarification to Meta, asking the company to explain the grounds for the suspensions, whether they resulted from coordinated mass reporting or automated moderation systems, and whether Meta detected organised attempts to manipulate its reporting mechanisms. The EDP has also asked whether Meta received any requests or communications concerning the accounts from Albanian public authorities or political actors.
At the same time, EDP Secretary General and Member of the European Parliament Sandro Gozi has brought the issue before the European Commission through a parliamentary question, asking the Commission to seek urgent clarification from Meta and to examine the incident in the context of Albania’s EU accession process, fundamental rights and political pluralism.
“When dozens of opposition and activist accounts linked to the same protest movement disappear almost simultaneously, we cannot simply treat it as a technical problem. Meta must explain what happened, and it must do so quickly,” said Sandro Gozi.
“We are not making accusations without evidence. But freedom of expression and political pluralism cannot depend on opaque algorithms or on moderation systems that can potentially be manipulated through coordinated attacks. Digital platforms have become part of our democratic public space, and with that power comes a responsibility to guarantee transparency and effective safeguards.”
Gozi added: “This is particularly important in Albania, a country that wants to join the European Union. EU membership is not only about economic integration: it means protecting democracy, the rule of law and the right of citizens and opposition forces to speak freely. We expect both Meta and the European Commission to take this case seriously.”
The EDP is calling for an immediate human review of the affected accounts and for the rapid restoration of any account for which no genuine violation of Instagram’s rules can be established.
