Albanian opponents of a luxury real estate development project in a protected nature reserve clashed with police in the capital Tirana on Thursday, local media reported.
Demonstrators attempted to block the parliament building and threw eggs and flour at police officers. Security forces used water cannon and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Several people were arrested and a number of others were injured.
The protest was directed against plans to develop parts of the Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa River delta by US investors.
The project is being led by a company linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Luxury hotels, villa complexes and leisure facilities are planned for Zvernec Bay and Sazan Island.
Environmental groups warn that the development could cause lasting damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Vjosa delta on Albania's Adriatic coast, including breeding and resting grounds for flamingos, herons and other bird species.
Thousands of people have gathered in Tirana on most evenings for more than a month to protest the plans. Albanian media have dubbed the movement the "Flamingo Revolution."
Thursday's demonstration was the first to take place during the day and was aimed at blocking parliament.
State news agency ATA, citing police, reported that 18 people were briefly detained. Fifteen police officers and four protesters received hospital treatment for injuries, the agency said.
The demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, alleging corruption behind his continued support for the project.
Nearly two years ago, Rama's government weakened legislation governing protected areas, a move that made it possible to pursue luxury tourism developments in the Vjosa delta.
Rama has insisted that no building permit has yet been issued. However, construction machinery arrived at the proposed site in late May, triggering the wave of protests that has continued ever since.
