Albanian authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against 17 individuals following a protest held Saturday in the Portonovë area near Zvërnec, where local residents opposed the implementation of a construction project by a private company and asserted property ownership claims.

According to an official statement issued by the Vlora Regional Police Directorate, residents had previously notified authorities about the planned gathering, prompting police to take measures aimed at maintaining public order, ensuring public safety, and protecting private property.

The situation, however, escalated during the demonstration when a group of protesters allegedly engaged in violent actions and attempted to dismantle the fencing surrounding the company’s construction site.

Police said that one protester, identified by the initials E.S., forcibly entered the construction area and was subsequently escorted by employees of a private security company to a designated security facility.

During the incident, E.S. reportedly sustained bodily injuries while being accompanied by the security personnel.

Law enforcement officers intervened shortly afterward, removing the protester from the location where he was being held by the private security employees. He was later taken to the premises of the Vlora Police Directorate, where he filed a complaint against two members of the security company.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities launched criminal proceedings against the two private security employees, identified as G.V., 41, and A.G., 35, both residents of Tirana.

The protest highlights growing tensions surrounding the development project in Portonovë, where residents continue to challenge the legality of construction activities and claim ownership rights over the disputed land.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the investigation or potential charges against the remaining individuals involved.