politics
Albanian Court Releases 19 Protesters but Keeps 14 Under Restrictions
A Tirana court released 19 demonstrators on Sunday who had been detained during protests against a luxury coastal resort project. The action follows large rallies that have expanded into wider anti-government demonstrations.
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A court in Tirana freed 19 protesters on Sunday who had been held on suspicion of refusing to obey police orders, organizing illegal demonstrations, and disturbing public order. Two of the released protesters will be placed under house arrest, 12 must report to the judicial police once or twice a month, and five will face no charges, lawyer Dorian Matlija said.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court chanting "Free the boys" and greeted the releases with cheers.
The protesters had been detained during demonstrations against a luxury coastal resort project linked to Jared Kushner. Nightly demonstrations have taken place across Albania since May 2026, initially focused on the resort in a protected natural area. " On the preceding Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside parliament for the second time in a week.
Police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannon to disperse the crowd after some protesters pushed through lines and threw eggs, stones, and other objects. Fifteen police officers were injured and 25 demonstrators were detained during that protest.
Tens of thousands of people rallied in Tirana on Saturday evening, again chanting "Free the boys," in the largest protest since the movement began.
The resort project was first unveiled in 2024, but the latest wave of demonstrations started after barbed-wire fencing and bulldozers appeared on beaches in late May 2026.
