After being released from his cell, Niko Qarkaj kisses police officers’ hands and is embraced by them

Niko Qarkaj took part in the 36th protest held yesterday in Tirana, just a few hours after being released from the cell where he had been held since Thursday, following his arrest at the gathering held that day in front of Parliament.

When he approached the police cordon, the young man kissed the hands of several officers, while they responded by embracing him.

This moment was met with applause from the protesters gathered there, sending the message that the protest is not directed against the blue uniforms, despite the incidents reported in recent days.

Qarkaj, who suffers from epilepsy, was released this Sunday by decision of the Criminal Court.

While in pretrial detention, he said he had been mistreated by officers of the State Police. Because of his health condition, Qarkaj was taken by ambulance to hospital to receive medical assistance.