Albanian court releases protesters detained over Kushner-linked resort demonstrations
A court in Albania's capital Tirana has ordered the release of 19 protesters detained following a violent demonstration against a luxury resort project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump.
The protesters, who were released on Sunday, had been detained on suspicion of "refusing to obey police orders, organizing illegal demonstrations, and disturbing public order," according to their lawyer, Dorian Matlija.
Matlija said two of the protesters were placed under house arrest, while 12 were ordered to report to judicial police once or twice a month. The remaining five will face no charges.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters gathered, chanting, "Free the boys," and cheered after the court's decision was announced.
Nightly demonstrations have taken place across Albania since May, initially in opposition to plans for a luxury coastal resort linked to Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in a protected natural area.
The movement has since expanded into broader anti-government and anti-corruption protests, with demonstrators chanting, "New Albania" and "Edi Rama, resign," referring to the country's prime minister.
The resort project was first unveiled in 2024. The latest wave of protests began after barbed-wire fencing and bulldozers appeared on beaches in late May.
Opposition to the development has become a focal point for wider concerns over corruption.
Protests intensified last Thursday when hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside parliament for the second time in a week, seeking to confront lawmakers and block access to the building.
Police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannon to disperse the crowd after some protesters attempted to push through police lines and threw eggs, stones, and other objects.
Authorities said 15 police officers were injured and 25 demonstrators detained.
On Saturday evening, tens of thousands of people rallied in Tirana in what was the largest demonstration since the protests started.
Earlier this year, violent clashes also erupted during protests demanding the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku over reported corruption.
Balluku was subsequently dismissed from office, although the protests' organizers say public mistrust remains.
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