A proposed resort linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law has become a flashpoint for anti-government protests.
Published July 5, 2026
A court in Albania’s capital Tirana has released 19 protesters who were detained in violent protests against a resort linked to US President Donald Trump’s family.
The demonstrators, who were released on Sunday, were detained on charges of “refusing to obey police orders, organizing an illegal demonstration and disturbing public order,” one of their lawyers told reporters.
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Lawyer Dorian Matriya said two of them will be under house arrest and 12 will have to report to judicial police once or twice a month. The remaining five people will not be charged.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court, chanting “Free the boys” and cheering the announcement.
Nightly demonstrations have been held in Albania since May, initially over plans for a luxury coastal resort linked to President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in a nature preserve.
The rally then evolved into a broader anti-government and anti-corruption protest. Demonstrators chanted “New Albania” and “Edi Rama, resign,” referring to the prime minister.
Protests intensified last Thursdaychicken hundreds of demonstrators It was the second time in a week that protesters rallied outside Parliament to confront politicians and prevent them from entering. Police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon to disperse them.
Some demonstrators tried to break through police lines, throwing objects such as eggs and stones.
Fifteen police officers were injured and 25 demonstrators were arrested.
Thursday’s violence was in sharp contrast to the overwhelmingly peaceful daily rallies that have brought thousands of people to the streets since the movement began.
Tens of thousands of people again chanted “free the boys” in Tirana on Saturday night, in the largest protest since the movement began.
The planned resort was first unveiled in 2024, but the latest protests began in late May after barbed wire fences and bulldozers appeared on the coast.
Opposition to the project has sparked frustration over perceived corruption, with demands now including for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Violent clashes broke out earlier this year when demonstrators demanded the resignation of Rama’s deputy, Belinda Baruch, over corruption allegations. Bulk was fired, but mistrust remains.
