The situation around the island of Sazan is expected to receive increased attention over the coming hours, as a group of activists is traveling from Italy to Albania to join protests against the tourism development project on the island.
The “Dissidents” website reported on Thursday evening that numerous State Police forces have been deployed to Sazan, ahead of the action announced by activists. According to the post, this is an unusual police presence on the island.
However, up to this moment **there is no official announcement from the State Police confirming the number of officers deployed in Sazan or the concrete reason for their deployment**.
What has been confirmed internationally is the departure of a flotilla towards the Albanian island.
Italian media reports that **three vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla departed on the evening of August 20 from Brindisi towards Sazan**, with the aim of joining the movement called “Flamingo Revolution”. The departure was scheduled for 10:00 PM.
Activists have stated that their mission aims to support Albanian protesters who oppose the tourism project linked to the investment fund of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The Flamingo Revolution movement has been protesting for months against planned projects in Sazan and the Vjosa–Narte/Zvërnec area, raising concerns about the impact the investments could have on the territory and the environment. The protests began in late May and have taken place in both Vlora and Tirana.
According to the flotilla organizers, Albanian diaspora activists, environmentalists, and members of various organizations will be part of the action. They have described the trip from Brindisi to Sazan as a symbolic act of solidarity with the Albanian protesters.
The arrival of the vessels seems to have increased tension and vigilance in the area. Social media claims that authorities have taken increased security measures, while it remains to be seen how they will act when the flotilla approaches the island.
Sazani, for decades a military zone with limited access, has now become one of the most controversial points of Albanian tourism development.
**The coming hours are expected to show whether the flotilla’s arrival will end up as a symbolic protest action or will lead to clashes between activists and law enforcement.**