Albanian court acquits protesters who took part against Kushner’s social network | Donald Trump News

The proposed site associated with the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump has become a staging ground for anti-government protests.

A court in the Albanian city of Tirana has freed 19 people who were arrested in connection with violent protests against social media linked to the US president. Donald Trump’s family.

The protesters released on Sunday were arrested on suspicion of “refusing to obey police orders, organizing illegal demonstrations and disturbing the peace,” one of their lawyers told reporters.

Two of them will be under house arrest and 12 must report to the police once or twice a month, said lawyer Dorian Matlija. The remaining five will not face any charges.

Crowds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse chanting “Free the boys” greeted the announcement with cheers.

There have been nightly protests in Albania since May, starting with a high-profile job linked to Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in the protected area.

The rallies turned into anti-government protests and anti-corruption demonstrations. Demonstrators have been chanting “New Albania” and “Edi Rama, resign”, referring to the prime minister.

Demonstrations escalated last Thursday when hundreds of shows they gathered outside the parliament for the second time in a week to meet with politicians and to block entry. Police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons to disperse them.

Some protesters tried to break through the police lines and threw eggs, stones and other objects.

15 police officers were injured, while 25 demonstrators were arrested.

Thursday’s violence was a stark contrast to the daily peaceful rallies that have drawn thousands of people to the streets since the movement began.

Tens of thousands chanting “Free the boys” took part on Saturday evening in Tirana in the biggest demonstration since the group’s inception.

The proposed site was first unveiled in 2024, but the latest protests erupted after barbed wire fences and bulldozers appeared along the coast in late May.

Opposition to the project has been particularly intense due to perceived corruption, with demands now including the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Earlier this year, violence broke out when protesters demanded the resignation of Rama’s deputy, Belinda Balluku, over corruption. Balluku was fired, but mistrust remained.