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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended a controversial luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, claiming Iranian hackers were behind weeks of anti-government protests sparked by the development.
Speaking at a conference in Rome on Thursday, Rama said much of the public outrage surrounding the project had been amplified by hackers from Iran.
“We have only one enemy, which is Khomeini’s Republic of Iran,” Rama said, arguing that Tehran had carried out “a ruthless cyber attack against Albania” over the past three years and had now “entered the game” of the anti-resort protests.
Iran has long criticized Albania for hosting thousands of members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), an Iranian opposition group living in exile.
The project is backed by Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rama also confirmed that the coastal land designated for the development had already been purchased by investors and that an environmental impact assessment was underway, although final approval has not yet been granted.
“The birds, the waters, the trees and everything will be much better than it is today,” Rama said.
“The project aims to have a net positive: 25% more green than it is today.”
He stressed that the island itself remains public property.
The luxury resort project linked to Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, has triggered widespread demonstrations, with thousands of protesters gathering daily for more than two weeks.
Public opposition intensified in late May after barbed-wire fencing and construction equipment appeared on a beach in the coastal area of Zvernec, about 100 kilometers southwest of Tirana.
Videos showing clashes between demonstrators and private security personnel quickly spread online, transforming a local dispute into a national protest movement.
Following a rally on Sunday evening, some demonstrators blocked a major highway, prompting a police response.
Authorities said legal proceedings had been launched against 16 people, while 19 others had already been charged and two additional suspects remained at large.
According to a police statement, those involved allegedly encouraged protesters by telephone to continue demonstrations beyond the hours authorized by organizers.
Officials said the actions resulted in traffic disruptions and public order violations.
Those charged face accusations including blocking traffic, disturbing public order and organizing or participating in unauthorized demonstrations.
A further protest took place in Tirana on Wednesday evening without major incidents.
Organizers have vowed to continue daily demonstrations until their demands are met.
Protesters are calling for the cancellation of the project, the repeal of legislation on strategic investors that facilitated the development, greater protection for environmentally sensitive areas, and the resignation of Rama.
The proposed Zvernec resort is one of the two major tourism projects linked to Kushner's investment group. Another luxury development is planned on the nearby island of Sazan.
Both projects are located near an important breeding and migration habitat used by hundreds of flamingos and other bird species.
The projects have become a focal point for broader public concerns over transparency, environmental protection and alleged corruption.
According to public records reviewed by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Zvernec project is valued at approximately $4.6 billion and appears to be primarily backed by Qatar-based investors, while the Sazan Island development is estimated at around $1.4 billion.
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