Key facts
- Albanian police used water cannons and pepper spray against protesters in Tirana.
- Protests target a luxury resort development linked to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
- The resort is planned for a protected nature reserve in Zvernec and the uninhabited island of Sazan.
- Nine police officers were injured by projectiles thrown by demonstrators.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama claims external forces are using bots and fake profiles to incite protests.
- The European Commission has cautioned Albania that the project could hinder its EU accession.
Albanian police deployed water cannons and pepper spray on Thursday to disperse demonstrators protesting outside the country's parliament against a controversial luxury resort development linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's family. The clashes occurred as protesters attempted to confront lawmakers and block entry to the building. Nine police officers were reported injured by projectiles thrown by demonstrators, and several arrests were made. Some protesters were also seen smashing the windows of an empty police car. The protests, which began in late May, are focused on the construction of a luxury hotel in a nature reserve in Zvernec and on the nearby island of Sazan. Critics argue the project lacks transparency and is a flashpoint for anger over perceived corruption, calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. Rama, however, has stated that a 'hybrid war,' involving bots and external forces, is responsible for stoking the anger. The European Commission has also issued a warning, urging Albania to act without delay to avoid jeopardizing its bid to join the European Union, which requires adherence to the bloc's environmental rules.