By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Defendant Shoots Judge Dead During Court Hearing In Albania
A courtroom in Tirana, Albania’s capital, turned into a scene of horror on Monday when a man on trial opened fire during proceedings, killing the presiding judge and injuring two other people.
Police identified the deceased as Appeals Court Judge Astrit Kalaja, who was hearing the suspect’s case when the man suddenly drew a weapon and shot him. Officers at the scene quickly apprehended the shooter.
“The judge was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way,” police said in a statement.
Two other victims — a father and son who were parties in the same trial — were also hit by bullets but survived and are currently in stable condition.
According to local media, the case involved a property ownership dispute, and the shooter reportedly attacked the judge after sensing the ruling would not be in his favour.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Albania’s legal community, raising serious questions about security lapses in the nation’s courthouses and how a weapon could have been brought inside.
Monday’s attack comes amid growing concern over the safety of judicial officers and the rise of violent reactions to court verdicts in Albania.
The country has been undergoing judicial reforms aimed at improving public trust in its courts and reducing corruption, but tensions surrounding property and inheritance disputes continue to fuel sporadic violence.
In recent years, Albania’s judiciary has faced mounting pressure as judges and prosecutors deal with high-profile corruption cases and long-standing civil conflicts.
Analysts say the latest shooting exposes deep systemic weaknesses — not only in court security, but also in the enforcement of property rights and public trust in legal institutions.
The Ministry of Justice condemned the killing, calling it a “brutal assault on the rule of law” and promising a full investigation. Legal associations across the country have demanded urgent reforms, including stricter entry checks at court premises and better protection for judicial officers.
Judge Kalaja, described by colleagues as a fair and disciplined jurist, had served for years in the appeals court system.
His death marks one of the most disturbing attacks on a member of Albania’s judiciary in recent memory and has reignited debate about how safe judges and lawyers truly are inside the country’s courts.
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