Demonstrators took to the streets of the Albanian capital Tirana late on Wednesday to protest a luxury real-estate project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, the Albanian state news agency ATA reported.
The crowd marched on the office of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, ATA reported, demanding a halt to the construction project on the Adriatic coast, near the town of Zvërnec.
The planned construction sites fall within the nature reserve around the Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa river delta, one of the most important wetlands in Albania.
Conservationists fear that the planned construction of luxury hotels, villa complexes and leisure facilities on a 45-hectare area could cause lasting damage to the sensitive ecosystem in the Vjosa delta, including resting and breeding grounds for flamingos, herons and other birds.
Clashes broke out with police on the fringes of the rally on Wednesday evening. They deployed water cannon to push back demonstrators. No arrests or injuries were reported by the media.
Rama said the concerns expressed by the demonstrators were based on "misinformation and false reports" spreading via social media, in an interview with US broadcaster CNN that was quoted by Albanian media.
He categorically ruled out halting the project, as demanded by the demonstrators.
The general contractor for the project is Affinity Partners, the firm backed by Kushner. The project is set to cover an area stretching from Zvërnec to Sazan island. The total investment is said to amount to €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).
The first protest in Tirana took place on May 30. Since Monday, opponents of the project have taken to the streets every day. Another demonstration is planned for Thursday.
