Albania: Protests against luxury hotel in protected area turn violent
Protests in Albania against a $4.6 billion hotel project in a protected coastal area have turned violent, with police using tear gas and water cannons.
Protests in Albania against a $4.6 billion hotel project in a protected zone on the Adriatic coast have escalated. Demonstrators claim the development threatens a nearby lagoon that is critical habitat for migratory birds, including hundreds of flamingos. Dissatisfaction with corruption and calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign have also fueled the protests.
This week, rallies have taken place twice outside parliament. On Wednesday, special police forces arrived and clashes erupted. Police deployed tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Some protesters attempted to break through police lines. Authorities reported nine police officers injured but did not disclose the number of arrests. Local media estimated around 20 arrests. One police car had its windows smashed.
On Tuesday, protesters threw eggs at police vehicles, leading to six arrests. The violence marks a sharp contrast with the largely peaceful daily demonstrations in Tirana, which have drawn thousands of participants.
