Macedonians protest case involving death of 4-year-old boy

SKOPJE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Macedonians gathered here on Wednesday in front of government buildings to protest a court's decision to release a man who caused the death of a four-year-old child two years ago.

Almir Aliu, 4, from Kumanovo, died on June 25 of 2016 after being hit by a car.

The suspect, Boban Ilic, and the victim's family had a physical clash. Soon after leaving the premises where they had the brawl, Ilic hit the child with his car, causing his immediate death.

But, on Tuesday, a Kumanovo court released the man after it decided to change the case from a first-degree murder charge to a road accident.

Organizers of the protest demanded the resignation of all judges and prosecutors involved in this case.

On Tuesday, Macedonian Justice Minister Bilent Saliu resigned from his post, saying he could not accept the court ruling.

Meanwhile, reacting to the protest, the Macedonian government said in a statement that it was paying due attention to the messages of protest.

"The government is committed to judicial reforms that will restore the impartiality, independence, rule of law and justice. At the same time, the government condemns all speeches expressing hatred and acts of radicalism," the statement read. Enditem