Meta blocks dozens of accounts protesting Kushner-linked Albanian resort project
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The gist
Meta disabled dozens of Instagram accounts of Albanian activists, journalists, and an opposition leader. The move escalates a 100-day protest over a Kushner-linked €1.4 billion resort.
Background
Protests have been ongoing in Albania for nearly 100 days against a luxury resort development on the southern coast, backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The demonstrations, called the Flamingo Revolution, have grown into calls for the government to resign. Meta's blocking of accounts used by activists and journalists has added scrutiny to the project.
How it unfolded
- recentlyProtests began over the Kushner-linked resort project, evolving into the 'Flamingo Revolution' with demands for government resignation.
- Sep 3, 2026 01:00Instagram accounts of activists, journalists, and an opposition party leader were closed or disabled, including chef Arjan Koçi's account 'Ari Shady'.
- Sep 3, 2026 20:18Politico Europe reported the account blocks, noting Koçi's account had over 55 million monthly views and was closed without notice.
- Sep 4, 2026 08:00eTurboNews reported that Meta's actions added new scrutiny to the €1.4 billion tourism project.
Who’s saying what
- Activists
- Arjan Koçi said his account was closed 'without an email, without a warning, without any notice,' and that friends were banned at the same time.
Still unverified
Meta has not provided a reason for the account blocks; the company's official stance is not included in the material.