Star Metro - Court frees Albania protesters held after violent clashes

Since late May, protests have been held against the planned construction of a luxury hotel linked to Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner in a nature reserve on the country's coast.

The demonstrations have been held daily in Tirana, while on Thursday morning for the second time this week, demonstrators gathered outside parliament to confront lawmakers and block entry to the building.

Police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon to break up hundreds of demonstrators, some of whom tried to push through lines of officers, and threw eggs, stones and other objects.

Fifteen police officers were injured, while 25 demonstrators were detained.

On Sunday, the court released 19 demonstrators, who were held on suspicion of "refusing to obey police orders, organising illegal demonstrations and disturbing public order", one of their lawyers told reporters.

Two of them will be put under house arrest and 12 must report to the judicial police once or twice a month, lawyer Dorian Matlija said.

The remaining five will face no charges.

Dozens of people who gathered outside the tribunal chanting "Free the boys", greeted the announcement with cheers of joy, according to an AFP reporter.

Thursday's violence was a marked contrast to the overwhelmingly peaceful daily gatherings that have drawn thousands on to the streets since the movement began.

Tens of thousands rallied on Saturday evening in Tirana in the largest protest since the movement began.

The crowd also chanted "Free the boys" referring to the detained protesters.

The planned resort was first unveiled in 2024, but the latest wave of protests began after barbed-wire fencing and bulldozers appeared on beaches in late May.

Opposition to the project has become a flashpoint for frustrations over perceived corruption, with demands now including the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Another rally is to be held on Sunday evening in Tirana.

S.Lapointe--SMC