Albanian Villagers Claim Disputed Land Sold for Kushner Resort Development

ZVERNEC, Albania: Residents of Zvernec allege that their land was improperly sold for a luxury resort development involving international investors, including Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The villagers assert ownership of the disputed land, presenting property deeds and tax records as evidence. However, Kushner is not directly implicated in the sale.

In recent weeks, Kostaq Konomi, an 81-year-old villager, attempted to access his land along the southern Albanian coast, only to encounter a barbed wire fence and security personnel denying him entry. The land, he later discovered, was earmarked for a luxury resort project. Konomi expressed deep frustration, recalling fond memories of his childhood spent by the sea. He stated, “I was ready to get a rifle and start shooting. I was a small boy when I put my feet in that water. Now I am an old man and they say I cannot.”

Konomi is among several villagers who claim that their land was wrongfully sold for development by a rival claimant in 2024. Many residents have provided documentation to support their claims, yet none have received compensation for the land they believe is rightfully theirs.

Legal Complications Surrounding the Development

The ongoing legal disputes complicate a multi-billion-euro development project that includes a pristine area of mainland and an island, both of which are home to protected wetlands and various wildlife species. Protests erupted in Tirana, the Albanian capital, demanding a halt to construction, with the European Union expressing concerns about the potential impact on local ecosystems.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has supported the development, maintains that the project is legal and that environmental protections will be upheld. Kushner has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation through his investment firm, Affinity Partners.

Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, the company behind the resort, has not provided detailed responses to questions about the project or the land dispute. A spokesperson referred to a statement from the company’s chairman, Asher Abehsera, emphasizing their commitment to celebrating Albania’s natural beauty and creating jobs.

Background of the Land Dispute

Zvernec is situated on a narrow peninsula, separated from the mainland by a lagoon frequented by flamingos during the summer months. The area is characterized by its scenic beaches and olive groves, which attracted Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, during a previous visit. Rama recounted that Kushner expressed interest in investing during a chance meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In 2024, Kushner announced plans for the resort on social media, showcasing an artist’s rendering of the proposed development. Meanwhile, the villagers, many of whom are elderly, are preparing to file a court order to stop the project, highlighting the challenges of investing in Albania, where land disputes are common due to historical complexities and inadequate record-keeping.

Historical Context of Land Ownership

Albania’s tumultuous history, marked by Ottoman rule and a subsequent communist regime, has left a legacy of land disputes. Properties that were once owned by families were often seized by the state during the communist era. Following the fall of communism in the early 1990s, efforts to return seized land have frequently resulted in disputes over ownership.

The villagers of Zvernec are currently engaged in a legal battle with Artur Shehu, who claims to have sold the disputed property. Shehu asserts that his family’s claim dates back to the Ottoman Empire. He has stated that he sold the land through a middleman and is unaware of the identity of the current buyers. The villagers contest his right to sell the land, citing a 2013 court ruling that recognized their ownership. However, Shehu has appealed the decision, and the case remains unresolved.

Prime Minister Rama has dismissed concerns regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, stating that a court trial does not automatically freeze property rights.

Residents’ Voices and Community Response

Villagers have presented property deeds issued in the 1990s, asserting that they were not consulted prior to the sale of the land and did not receive any compensation. Thoma Kola, 84, expressed disappointment, stating that they expected the government to offer them payment for their land.

Protests intensified after a fence was erected in May, restricting access to the sea. Clashes with private security resulted in injuries, and footage of the incidents circulated widely. Although the fence has since been removed, uncertainty remains regarding when construction will resume.

Local business owner Stavri Hysa, who rents deckchairs and serves refreshments to beachgoers, reflected on the recent events, likening the temporary closure of the shorefront to the restrictions experienced during the communist era. He voiced his opposition to the sale of public beach access, stating, “When I found out that they had blocked access to the sea, I couldn’t sleep for 15 days. This should be public.”

For further details, visit the original reporting source: www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-06-13 13:24:00 • By the Editorial Desk