A police officer who punched a handcuffed protester has been suspended this morning. Footage of the police officer punching the handcuffed protester in the stomach has gone viral online, sparking outrage among many citizens. In a statement to the media, the police said that as soon as they learned of the video circulating online, the police director took action to suspend the officer with the initials JH.
Reaction of the General Directorate of the State Police
This morning, the Director General of the State Police, Major General Skender Hita, after the publication on social networks of a video showing a police officer punching an escorted citizen during today's rally on Durrës Street, Tirana, immediately suspended from duty the police officer, Inspector JH, part of the "Eagle" Special Force of the Tirana State Police.
Also, the Director General has ordered the Directorate of Professional Standards in the State Police to initiate a disciplinary investigation against the Police employee for illegal and unreasonable use of force and for committing actions that seriously harm the image of the Police employee, the institution or the police service as a whole.
The State Police does not tolerate any action that is carried out in violation of the law and professional work standards and will continue to react decisively to any violation by its employees.
