The Albany Gazette - Thousands protest Jared Kushner-linked resort project in Albania

Chanting "Cancel the project" and holding banners reading "Albania is not for sale" and "Ivanka, go home" -- a reference to Kushner's wife -- the protesters demanded the government block the resort project, which has raised concerns over environmental damage and corruption.

The project includes the construction of hotel complexes on the uninhabited island of Sazan and in the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta, located in the southern community of Zvernec.

On Tuesday, the special prosecutor's office to combat corruption and organized crime (SPAK) said it had opened an investigation into the funds used for acquiring the land titles and their sale to investors.

The demonstration in the capital Tirana followed an initial gathering in Zvernec on Saturday, where dozens of people, including environmental activists, protested over the installation of barbed wire blocking access to the beach.

Private security guards attacked and injured several protesters, leading authorities to suspend several police officers and revoke the licenses of two private security companies.

It is not confirmed that the land surrounded by barbed wire has been bought by companies linked to Kushner, who presented a plan for development projects in Albania two years ago.

According to that plan, Kushner intended to transform the island of Sazan -- formerly a secret communist military base -- into a luxury tourist destination, a development worth an estimated 1.4 billion euros ($1.2 billion). Luxury hotels were also planned to be built in Zvernec.

In January, around 40 environmental organizations called for the suspension of the resort plans, citing threats to biodiversity.

On Tuesday, Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama invited the protesters to choose a delegation of about 20 people to discuss possible solutions.

The protesters rejected the proposal and announced another gathering for Wednesday.

(M.Scott--TAG)