
Police have arrested the private security guard who clashed with the protester in Zvërnec the day before, while the company that took over the project in this area has also reacted to the case.
"Zvërnec South Adriatic Development" in its response explains that the private security company was contracted to guarantee the security of the private area.
The company, which has undertaken the project, continues that "after examining the materials, it is unacceptable to continue the contractual relationship with this company," while calling on the competent authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation of the incident and punish the responsible persons according to the law.
"After having reviewed with full responsibility the materials made public on the unjustifiable behavior of the security company, the company "Zvërnec South Adriatic Development" informs the press and public opinion as follows: To guarantee the security of the development area, which is entirely private property, a security company equipped with the relevant permits and licenses from state institutions and with experience in this field was contracted.
But the examination of the materials makes the continuation of the contractual relationship with this company absolutely unacceptable. At no time has the contracted security company received instructions from us to act contrary to legal authorizations and in violation of the rights guaranteed to Albanian citizens.
Interfering with a citizen who had the full right to protest outside the property boundary, and pulling him inside to use force, is not only morally unacceptable, but also criminally punishable. For this reason, we have terminated the contractual relationship with the security company with immediate effect.
We apologize for this unnecessary incident and call on the competent authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation of the incident and to punish those responsible according to the law. “Zvërnec South Adriatic Development” remains at the full disposal of the authorities and all other interested parties, with full readiness and transparency.
We reiterate that community engagement is essential for investors and we remain committed to working with all residents of the area. In the coming weeks, we will increase our efforts for more substantive communication with the respected community of the area.
We also express our regret that yesterday's ugly episode is being used to circulate completely fabricated images of the project on social media, with the aim of promoting the mistaken idea that development will destroy nature.
"The international value of the project lies precisely in the maximum commitment to harmonizing the project with nature, according to the highest standards ever applied, in protecting the special ecosystems of the area, as an indisputable value of Albania's natural heritage. The final project will be presented to the public in due time as evidence beyond any doubt of an excellent example of harmony with nature," the company that has undertaken the project said in a statement.
On the other hand, the police have announced that a 32-year-old man with the initials GB, a resident of Durrës, was arrested. Among others, two others, citizens AG and GV, involved in the incident, are under investigation.
The Director General has ordered the Directorate of Professional Standards in the State Police to launch a disciplinary investigation into the entire chain of command in Vlora, regarding the measures and management of the rally held yesterday.