"Rama faces wave of protests", Fox News: Kushner's project in Zvërnec under investigation by SPAK

An article published by Fox News  writes that the luxury tourist project linked to Jared Kushner in the Zvërnec area has been put at the center of an investigation by SPAK.

According to the report, anti-corruption prosecutors are examining changes made to the protected status of Vjosa-Nartë, an area known for its biodiversity and habitat for flamingos, Mediterranean seals and sea turtles.

The article, citing Politico, recalls that Kushner, through his company Affinity Partners, has expressed interest in developing a large tourist resort in Albania, while Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed that negotiations for the project are ongoing. According to the report, the investment envisages about 10 thousand hotel rooms and villas.

Fox News also pays attention to the protests taking place in Albania against the project. According to the article, citizens and environmental organizations have opposed the construction of fences in the beach area and have demanded a halt to the project. The protests culminated in clashes, where published footage showed private security guards using violence against a protester.

Following the incident, Albanian authorities revoked the licenses of two private security companies, while about 15 protesters were prosecuted and the local police chief was dismissed from his post, according to US media reports.

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Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating changes to the protected status of a coastal marsh where a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, has drawn opposition and environmental protests, according to Politico.

SPAK, the special anti-corruption prosecution office in Albania, has opened an investigation into changes made to the status of the Vjosa-Nartë protected landscape in Zvërnec, Politico reported.

The coastal marsh area is home to flamingos, Mediterranean seals and sea turtle nesting sites, Politico reported.

In 2024, Kushner publicly discussed plans for his firm, Affinity Partners, to develop luxury tourism projects in Albania, including the Zvërnec area. Earlier this year, he visited the area with his wife, Ivanka Trump.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently confirmed to Politico that talks were ongoing between the government and Kushner on the deal, which is expected to include approximately 10,000 hotel rooms and villas.

"I want to make Albania a country that is a destination to be envied in the region, and this project is part of this effort," Rama said on Monday.

Protests by Albanian citizens and non-profit groups began in May when large barbed wire fences were erected at the proposed site, preventing locals and tourists from accessing the beach.

 On Sunday, protesters gathered outside government offices to demand the termination of the project, as well as Rama's resignation.

Following Sunday's protests, footage emerged showing private security guards assaulting and dragging a protester over a cliff. Some guards allegedly threatened other demonstrators who were trying to remove fences and stop construction.

The licenses of two private security companies were revoked following the incident. Meanwhile, about 15 protesters have been charged and the local police chief has been dismissed from his duties.