Tirana, Albania – Albania has been thrown into mourning following the tragic killing of Judge Astrit Kalaja, who was fatally shot during a trial at the Court of Appeal in the capital city, Tirana. The shocking incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for heightened court security across the nation.
According to officials, the fatal shooting took place during an active hearing when a man on trial opened fire inside the courtroom. Judge Kalaja was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way. Two other individuals—a father and son who were part of the proceedings—were also struck by bullets but are reportedly in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement authorities swiftly arrested the 30-year-old suspect, identified by the initials E. Sh, and later confirmed by local media as Elvis Shkëmbi. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect opened fire out of frustration, allegedly fearing that he was about to lose his case.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through Albania’s judicial and political circles, prompting strong reactions from both government and opposition leaders. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. “The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor,” he said. The Prime Minister further stressed the need for immediate reforms to ensure tighter security in courtrooms and to strengthen laws governing firearm possession and use.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha described the killing as an unprecedented act in Albania’s modern judicial history. “This is the first time in 35 years that a judge has been murdered while performing his duties,” Berisha stated, urging the nation to engage in deep reflection. “Today is the day for the Albanian society to look inward and address the cracks in our justice and security systems.”
Police later confirmed that in addition to the main suspect, they have detained the suspect’s uncle and a court security guard for questioning. Authorities are investigating whether there was any negligence or breach of protocol that enabled the assailant to carry a firearm into the courtroom.
Albania’s General Prosecutor, Olsian Çela, also weighed in on the tragedy, describing it as a direct attack on the nation’s judicial integrity. “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,” Çela said. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen security measures in all judicial facilities and to restore public trust in the nation’s justice institutions.
Judge Astrit Kalaja, remembered as a respected and principled figure within Albania’s judiciary, had over three decades of experience in law. He began his distinguished career in a district court and was appointed to the Court of Appeal in Tirana in 2019. His colleagues describe him as a man of integrity, fairness, and dedication, whose passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the legal fraternity.
This tragic killing has reignited debate about gun control and courtroom safety in Albania. Although gun violence in courtrooms is rare, it is not entirely unprecedented in Europe. A decade ago, a judge in Milan’s Palace of Justice was also shot dead by a defendant during a bankruptcy case, prompting Italy to introduce sweeping courtroom security reforms.
Albania, however, has faced ongoing challenges with illegal firearm possession and sporadic public shootings. According to a UN-backed regional monitor, the country recorded 43 firearm-related incidents linked to public disputes between January and June this year — the highest figure among Balkan nations, though slightly lower than last year’s total.
Security analysts have described the Tirana courtroom shooting as a wake-up call. Many argue that the incident underscores deep systemic flaws in the nation’s approach to both justice administration and public security. Some have called for the installation of metal detectors at all court entrances, mandatory security screenings for all attendees, and the establishment of rapid-response units within court complexes.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has vowed that the government will take decisive steps to ensure that such an incident never happens again. “This tragedy must lead to action. We cannot allow our judges, lawyers, or citizens to live in fear while seeking justice,” he said in an official statement.
Meanwhile, citizens across Albania have taken to social media to express grief, anger, and solidarity with the late judge’s family. Hashtags such as #JusticeForKalaja and #SecureOurCourts have begun trending online, with many users demanding justice and immediate institutional reform.
The Albanian Bar Association also issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for the implementation of comprehensive security protocols. “An attack on a judge is an attack on justice itself. We must protect our courts, our judges, and our citizens,” the statement read.
Funeral arrangements for Judge Astrit Kalaja are expected to be announced in the coming days. His death marks one of the darkest moments in Albania’s recent judicial history and serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by those who uphold the rule of law.
As investigations continue, both the government and civil society groups are pushing for urgent reforms aimed at ensuring the safety of judicial officers and restoring confidence in the justice system. For many Albanians, this tragedy is not only about one man’s death but also about the security of the nation’s institutions and the sanctity of justice itself.
— Africa Live News
