A judge in Albania has been shot dead after a man opened fire during a trial at the Court of Appeal in the capital Tirana. Judge Astrit Kalaja died en route to the hospital, while two others involved in the hearing over a property dispute—a father and son—sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police apprehended a 30-year-old male suspect identified by the initials 'E Sh', which Albanian media has confirmed as Elvis Shkëmbi.
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama extended condolences to Judge Kalaja's family, emphasizing the need for stringent legal consequences for such criminal acts. He called for stricter security within the court system and harsher penalties for illegal firearm possession.
Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, noted the significance of the incident, stating that it represents the first killing of a judge in the line of duty in 35 years, urging Albanian society to reflect deeply on this violence.
Reports indicate that the suspect acted out of desperation, expecting to lose the case. Following the shooting, further arrests were made, including that of Shkëmbi's uncle and a court security guard.
The incident has alarmed officials about the safety of judges, with Albania's prosecutor General Olsian Çela calling for enhanced protection measures. This event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system, Çela stated.
Though firearm attacks in courtrooms are infrequent, they have occurred elsewhere, such as a notorious case a decade ago in Milan, where a judge was murdered during proceedings. Despite its challenges, Albania recorded the highest number of firearm incidents related to public disputes in the Balkans in early 2023. However, recent statistics show a slight decline compared to previous years.
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama extended condolences to Judge Kalaja's family, emphasizing the need for stringent legal consequences for such criminal acts. He called for stricter security within the court system and harsher penalties for illegal firearm possession.
Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, noted the significance of the incident, stating that it represents the first killing of a judge in the line of duty in 35 years, urging Albanian society to reflect deeply on this violence.
Reports indicate that the suspect acted out of desperation, expecting to lose the case. Following the shooting, further arrests were made, including that of Shkëmbi's uncle and a court security guard.
The incident has alarmed officials about the safety of judges, with Albania's prosecutor General Olsian Çela calling for enhanced protection measures. This event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system, Çela stated.
Though firearm attacks in courtrooms are infrequent, they have occurred elsewhere, such as a notorious case a decade ago in Milan, where a judge was murdered during proceedings. Despite its challenges, Albania recorded the highest number of firearm incidents related to public disputes in the Balkans in early 2023. However, recent statistics show a slight decline compared to previous years.
