Albanian judge shot dead in court by man on trial

A guy opened fire during a trial at the Court of Appeal in the Albanian capital Tirana, killing a judge. According to officials, Judge Astrit Kalaja passed away on her way to the hospital, and two other participants in the court about a property dispute—a father and son—were shot but only suffered minor wounds.

A 30-year-old man with the initials “E Sh” was detained by police, while Albanian media have identified him as Elvis Shkëmbi.  Edi Rama, the prime minister of Albania, expressed his sympathies to Judge Kalaja’s family, saying:  “The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor.”

He also demanded tougher penalties for unlawful gun ownership and increased protection in the nation’s courts.

Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, said Judge Kalaja’s murder was the first time in 35 years a judge had been killed “while doing his duty”, adding: “Today is the day for a deep reflection by all Albanian society.”

Albania’s general prosecutor Olsian Çela said in the wake of the incident that the security of judges needed enhancing “in every respect”.

“Beyond the heartbreaking loss of one life and the injury of two others, this event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system,” he said.

Although they are uncommon, judges can be attacked with firearms in court. Ten years ago, a man on trial in a bankruptcy case shot and killed a judge at Milan’s Palace of Justice.

Before fleeing, the shooter also murdered a lawyer and his co-defendant; however, he was apprehended.

Judge Kalaja practiced law for over 30 years. Before being appointed to the Court of Appeal in Tirana in 2019, he first served at a district court.

According to a regional monitor supported by the UN, Albania had the most firearm occurrences associated with public disagreements in the first half of this year among Balkan countries.

Although they are uncommon, judges can be attacked with firearms in court. Ten years ago, a man on trial in a bankruptcy case shot and killed a judge at Milan’s Palace of Justice. Before fleeing, the shooter also murdered a lawyer and his co-defendant; however, he was apprehended.

Judge Kalaja practiced law for over 30 years. Before being appointed to the Court of Appeal in Tirana in 2019, he first served at a district court. According to a regional monitor supported by the UN, Albania had the most firearm occurrences associated with public disagreements in the first half of this year among Balkan countries.