Albanian Judge Astrit Kalaja Shot Dead in Court During Trial

Fri Oct 17 2025 00:45:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a tragic incident at the Court of Appeals in Tirana, Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot dead, marking a shocking act of violence against the judiciary in Albania.

Judge Astrit Kalaja was fatally shot during a trial in Albania's capital, Tirana. While the shooter, Elvis Shkëmbi, was arrested, this incident raises concerns about security in judicial environments. Prime Minister Edi Rama and other officials call for enhanced security measures and reflection on the state of justice in the country.

A judge in Albania has been shot dead after a man opened fire during a trial at the Court of Appeal in Tirana.

Judge Astrit Kalaja died en route to hospital, officials said, while two others involved in the hearing over a property dispute - a father and son - were shot but sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police said they had arrested a 30-year-old male suspect who they identified by the initials E Sh, but Albanian media have named him as Elvis Shkëmbi.

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama offered his condolences to Judge Kalaja's family, adding: The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor.

He also called for stricter security within the country's courts and harsher punishments for the illegal possession of weapons.

Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, stated that 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.

The suspect in Judge Kalaja's killing had opened fire because he expected to lose the case, according to local media reports.

Mr. Shkëmbi's uncle and the court's security guard have also reportedly been arrested over the shooting.

Albania's General Prosecutor Olsian Çela emphasized the need for enhanced security for judges, stating, This event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system.

Firearm attacks on judges in the courtroom are rare but can occur, as evidenced by similar incidents in other countries.

Judge Kalaja was a devoted public servant, having worked in the judiciary for over 30 years, and his death highlights urgent issues regarding public safety and judicial integrity in Albania.