Albanian authorities have arrested two additional suspects in connection with violent incidents that occurred during a protest against a controversial coastal development project in the Zvërnec area, police announced on Wednesday.

The demonstration, held on May 30 in the Portonovë area of Zvërnec, drew local residents and environmental activists opposing a planned tourism and infrastructure project along one of Albania’s most environmentally sensitive coastlines.

According to the Vlora Police Directorate, authorities detained two men, identified by their initials as A.G., 35, and G.V., 41, both residents of Tirana, following a court order issued by the Vlora District Court.

The two suspects are accused of unlawfully depriving a protest participant of his liberty after allegedly dragging him by force toward an area reserved for security personnel during the demonstration. Police said the victim, identified as E.S., suffered physical injuries during the incident.

Investigators allege that A.G. and G.V. acted together with a third individual, G.B., who had already been arrested earlier on allegations of physically assaulting the same protester.

Authorities said further checks revealed that neither of the newly arrested suspects was registered or licensed through any private security company operating in Albania, raising additional questions about their presence and role during the event.

Police stated that investigations are continuing in cooperation with the Vlora Prosecutor’s Office to identify all individuals who may bear criminal responsibility for actions or omissions committed during the protest.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to fully document all circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said in a statement.

The clashes have intensified public scrutiny of the planned Zvërnec development project, which has already sparked controversy over environmental concerns, land ownership disputes, and the treatment of protesters opposing the investment.

The case comes amid broader tensions surrounding development plans in the region and ongoing legal investigations into land-related issues connected to projects in the Zvërnec area.