Police father and journalist mother: Who is Klevi Metaj, the student protester who clashed alone with six officers today

Klevi Metaj is the 22-year-old who became one of the most talked-about figures in today’s protest in Tirana. Footage of his confrontation with six police officers spread rapidly on social media, attracting public attention.

The young man from Gjirokastër was filmed as he became involved in a physical confrontation with the officers before being arrested by the police. The incident led to his name circulating widely online, while many also began to take an interest in his identity and background.

But who is Klevi Metaj away from the protest footage?

The 22-year-old is reportedly a graduate of the Faculty of Law in Tirana. One detail that stands out in his story is his family background: his father is a police officer, according to Erla Mëhilli, while his mother, based on a brief search of social media, appears to be journalist Brikena Metaj.

Thus, a protest that began with students’ demands placed Klevi Metaj at the center of attention because of his confrontation with the officers. The footage that went viral made him one of the most discussed names of the day.

Most recently, he was also visited in hospital by opposition MPs, who spoke about his condition. The young man was lying in a hospital bed, yet appeared to be in good condition: “They hit me. They injured me a little. Minor things,” he said.