An Albanian court in the capital city of Tirana has ordered the release of 19 protesters who were detained during a violent demonstration against a luxury coastal resort linked to US President Donald Trump's family.
The protesters had been held on suspicion of organizing illegal demonstrations, refusing to obey police orders, and disturbing public order. According to defense lawyer Dorian Matlija, two of the released individuals will be placed under house arrest, while 12 others are required to report to the judicial police once or twice a month. The remaining five will face no charges. The court's decision was met with cheers from dozens of supporters gathered outside, who had been chanting "Free the boys."
The nightly demonstrations, which began in late May, were initially sparked by plans for a luxury resort project backed by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The development, located in a protected natural area, drew immediate backlash when bulldozers and barbed-wire fencing appeared on beaches. Since then, the movement has expanded into broader anti-corruption protests, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Although the daily gatherings of thousands of citizens had been overwhelmingly peaceful, tensions escalated last Thursday. Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police outside the parliament building, attempting to breach police lines and throwing stones, eggs, and other objects. Security forces responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons, resulting in injuries to 15 police officers and the arrest of 25 protesters.
Following the clashes, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Tirana on Saturday evening in the largest rally since the movement began, demanding political reform and the release of those detained. The protests reflect deep-seated public anger over perceived government corruption, which was already inflamed earlier this year by allegations that led to the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.