Tragic Shooting in Tirana Courtroom Leaves Judge Dead
A shocking courtroom shooting in Albania's capital has left a judge dead and two others injured, raising serious questions about judicial security in the country. The incident occurred on October 6, 2025, at the Tirana Appeals Court where Judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over a property dispute case.
Violent Attack During Property Dispute Hearing
The 30-year-old suspect, identified by initials E. Sh., opened fire inside the courtroom during a hearing concerning a land dispute. Judge Kalaja was fatally shot and died while being transported to the hospital. Two other individuals involved in the case - a father and son - were also shot but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
'This is a tragic event that should make us all reflect on our court security systems,' said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in a statement following the attack. 'We demand the most extreme legal response for the perpetrator of this terrible crime.'
Security Breach and Immediate Aftermath
The gunman managed to flee the scene immediately after the shooting but was later apprehended by police authorities. Law enforcement officials confirmed they recovered the revolver used in the attack. The incident represents a significant breach of courtroom security protocols, as weapons are strictly prohibited in Albanian courthouses.
President Bajram Begaj condemned the attack as 'a terrible attack against the entire justice system' and called for immediate security reviews across all judicial facilities.
Context of Albania's Judicial Reforms
This violent incident comes amid ongoing judicial reforms in Albania that began in 2016. According to Wikipedia's overview of Albania's judicial system, the country has been working to address widespread problems including corruption, lack of confidence in the judiciary, and infrastructure challenges.
The 2016 Judicial System Reform aimed to create a fairer and more efficient administration while vetting and cleansing the system of corrupt judges. However, these reforms have caused significant delays in tens of thousands of cases, potentially contributing to frustration among litigants.
Broader Implications for Judicial Security
The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in Albania. According to Al Jazeera's reporting, there were 213 gun-related incidents in Albania between January and June 2025 alone. Illegal gun possession carries penalties of up to three years in prison under Albanian law.
Court security experts are now questioning how the suspect managed to bring a firearm into the courthouse despite security screening procedures. The incident has prompted immediate reviews of security protocols at courthouses nationwide.
As investigations continue, the Albanian justice system faces both the immediate tragedy of a judge's death and the broader challenge of ensuring the safety of judicial personnel while maintaining public access to justice.