A protest in Zvërnec, in southern Albania, over the construction of a seaside resort escalated into a serious incident that is now under criminal investigation, after video footage showed a protester being physically assaulted by private security staff.
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| Arrested after clashes: Gerald Biba, a 32-year-old employee of Major Security, who was arrested by police following a criminal investigation into the physical assault and restraint of a protester at the Zvërnec construction site. |
What happened in Zvërnec
Local residents had gathered to protest against a tourism development project in the Zvërnec area of Vlorë. During the protest, tensions rose between demonstrators and private security guards assigned to protect the construction site.
According to reports and official statements, the situation quickly became chaotic. Some of the private security guards were reportedly masked, and there are allegations that pepper spray was used during the confrontation. One protester was physically restrained and dragged away from the area.
Allegations against Gerald Biba
After video footage from the scene circulated publicly, police identified and arrested Gerald Biba, a 32-year-old security guard from Durrës.
He is accused of punching a protester and taking part in restraining and dragging him away with other security staff. The protester reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Two other security personnel are also under investigation in connection with the same incident.
Authorities say the actions under review may amount to unlawful deprivation of liberty and intentional minor injury.
Police response and investigation
The State Police moved quickly after the footage emerged, launching an investigation and arresting the suspect shortly afterwards.
The General Directorate of State Police confirmed that a special investigative team has been set up to examine the entire incident that took place on May 30, 2026, in the area known as “Portonovë” in Zvërnec.
According to the official statement:
- Gerald Biba (G. B., 32) was arrested in flagrante delicto
- He is suspected of “Unlawful Deprivation of Liberty” and “Intentional Minor Injury”
- Two other individuals linked to the private security team are also under investigation
- The protester (E. S.) was restrained and sustained minor injuries
Internal police accountability
Alongside the criminal investigation, the Director General of State Police ordered disciplinary proceedings against the entire command structure of the Vlorë Police Directorate.
This step was taken to review how the protest was handled and whether procedures were followed correctly on the ground.
Authorities also acknowledged that early information coming from local police did not fully match the findings later confirmed at central level, leading to further internal review and disciplinary measures.
Conflicting versions of events
Initial reports suggested that the protester had entered a restricted construction area and was removed after causing disturbances. However, this version has since been disputed at higher levels of the police, which stated that parts of the initial account were not supported by evidence.
This discrepancy has raised questions about coordination between local police units and private security companies operating at the site.
Wider concerns
Beyond the individual case, the incident has triggered broader concerns about the role of private security companies during public protests, especially in sensitive development areas.
While private security is tasked with protecting property, their actions are still strictly limited by law, particularly when dealing with civilians exercising the right to protest.
The case against Gerald Biba and others involved remains under active investigation. Authorities have said that all actions will be reviewed based on the law and that further steps will follow as evidence is examined.
For now, the incident in Zvërnec stands as a serious case that has put both private security practices and police coordination under scrutiny.