A court in Tirana released 19 people detained during violent protests over a luxury coastal resort project linked to Jared Kushner, even as broader anti-corruption demonstrations continue to spread across Albania. The unrest, which began in May, has escalated from opposition to the specific development into wider anti-government rallies targeting Albania’s leadership, including Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Court Ruling and Detention Details

The protesters were arrested during clashes with police and initially accused of refusing to obey police orders, organizing illegal demonstrations, and disturbing public order. The court ruled that most would be freed without charges. Two individuals were placed under house arrest, and 12 were required to report regularly to judicial authorities. Demonstrators outside the courthouse cheered the decision, chanting "Free the boys" as nightly protests continued across Tirana.

Project Background and Political Escalation

The protests were triggered by a luxury coastal resort project planned by Kushner in a protected natural area. Since the initial rallies, the movement has expanded to include broader political grievances. Protesters have used slogans such as "New Albania" and "Edi Rama, resign," reflecting growing political frustration with the current administration.

Protest Dynamics and Police Response

Clashes escalated outside parliament when police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons after demonstrators threw objects and attempted to breach security lines. Authorities reported injuries among police officers and multiple detentions. The ongoing unrest highlights the tension between development projects and environmental preservation in the region.

International Commentary

Last month, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) commented on the protests, stating that the opposition to the Kushner-linked resort reflected resistance to a "global oligarchy." He described the project as environmentally harmful and backed by wealthy investors, noting that the demonstrations signaled growing public opposition to elite influence.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stated on Monday that large-scale protests in Albania against a planned luxury resort involving Jared Kushner reflect rising opposition to global oligarchy. In a post on X, Sanders highlighted demonstrations against the project, which he described as environmentally disastrous and a symbol of elite wealth and influence.

"In tiny Albania, over a hundred thousand people have been in the streets against an environmentally disastrous luxury resort planned by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his Qatari billionaire partners," Sanders wrote. "This is what global oligarchy looks like — and the people are saying NO."

Economist Steve Hanke reported on X that the European Union warned Albania that Kushner's planned luxury resort project could threaten the country's EU accession process. Hanke added that the project has been suspended and described the rising opposition as the "Flamingo Revolution" gaining momentum.

Last week, Ivanka Trump, Kushner's wife, discussed the Sazan Island development in Albania. She described the 1,400-hectare island redevelopment as a major personal and professional undertaking focused on preserving the natural environment. Trump noted the island currently lacks basic infrastructure and would be built from scratch.

In March, Kushner faced scrutiny over his financial disclosure and his firm Affinity Partners. The firm manages $5.4 billion backed by major foreign investments, including $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, despite reporting no investor returns.