On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Albanian capital of Tirana was rocked by a shocking act of violence inside its Court of Appeal. Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot and killed in the courtroom by a man on trial, identified by police as a 30-year-old with the initials E. Sh. The attack, which also left two other people injured, has sent ripples of fear and outrage throughout Albania’s political and judicial communities, raising urgent questions about security, the rule of law, and the nation’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.
According to police statements cited by multiple sources, including Balkan Insight and the Associated Press, the incident unfolded as Judge Kalaja presided over a case reportedly involving a property dispute. The suspect, who was actively participating in the hearing, suddenly opened fire on the judge and three other individuals present in the courtroom. As police described, "As a result, citizen A. K. lost his life and citizens R. K. and E. K were injured, [but] are out of danger to their lives." The two wounded, a father and son involved in the trial, were quickly taken to hospital and are reported to be stable, with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
The suspect did not remain at the scene for long. While initial reports from Balkan Insight and AFP indicated that the gunman fled immediately after the shooting, police acted swiftly, arresting him not far from the courthouse and recovering the revolver used in the attack. The rapid response prevented further violence, but the fact that a firearm was smuggled into one of the nation’s most secure legal institutions has left many Albanians deeply unsettled.
Authorities have yet to offer a clear motive for the shooting. However, local press reports, referenced by Balkan Insight and AFP, suggest that the accused may have fired out of anger or desperation, believing he was about to lose the property dispute at the heart of the trial. Officially, neither police nor court representatives have confirmed this theory, and the investigation into both the motive and the security breach remains ongoing.
Political leaders across the spectrum quickly condemned the attack, emphasizing its gravity and the broader implications for Albania’s justice system. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), described Judge Kalaja’s death as a "tragic event" and called for a serious reflection on the state of court security. "The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly demands the most extreme legal response against the aggressor," Rama declared, also urging for tougher sentences for gun-related crimes. His comments echoed the growing concern about gun violence in Albania; data from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons reveals that between January and June 2025 alone, there were 213 gun-related incidents in the country.
President Bajram Begaj joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling the murder "a terrible attack against the entire justice system." The sentiment was echoed by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) office in Tirana, which said it was "deeply shocked and saddened," adding, "Attacks on judges are a direct attack on the rule of law and democratic institutions."
The reaction was just as swift and emotional among opposition leaders. Gazment Bardhi, head of the opposition Democratic Party’s parliamentary group, pointed out the historical gravity of the event, noting, "the first case in 35 years where a judge has been killed while doing his duty… and this requires deep reflection from Albanian society." Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha described the shooting as an "ugly and criminal act against the judge," adding that it was evidence of "the great insecurity that exists today in the country."
On social media, the sense of horror was palpable. Sidorela Vatnikaj, an activist, wrote, "The murder of a judge, especially within the premises of the court, is absolutely horrific, unacceptable and a very bad day for the rule of law in Albania." Political commentator Gerti Shella observed, "the shooting shows us the high uncertainty in life that people in justice face today." These reactions underscore a deep sense of vulnerability among those who work within Albania’s justice system, as well as among the general public.
The attack has also reignited debate over Albania’s judicial reforms, which have been underway since 2016 with strong backing from the European Union and the United States. While the reforms aimed to root out corruption and improve efficiency, they have also led to a massive backlog of cases—tens of thousands, in fact—leaving many Albanians waiting years for their day in court. According to AFP and Balkan Insight, this backlog has contributed to rising tensions and frustrations within the legal system, potentially creating an environment where such acts of violence become more likely.
Security within Albanian courts is now under intense scrutiny. How did a defendant manage to bring a loaded revolver past security checks and into a courtroom? This question is on everyone’s lips—from the halls of parliament to the streets of Tirana. Prime Minister Rama has called for "reflection" on the courts’ internal security system, and many expect that the coming weeks will see a flurry of proposals for tightening security protocols and reviewing existing safeguards.
Under Albanian law, illegal gun possession can result in up to three years in jail, but the high number of gun-related incidents suggests that enforcement remains a challenge. The shooting of Judge Kalaja has brought this issue into sharp focus, with calls for both stricter penalties and better implementation of existing laws.
For many, the murder of Judge Astrit Kalaja is more than a personal tragedy—it is a blow to the very heart of Albania’s democratic institutions. As the investigation continues and the country grapples with its aftermath, the hope is that this horrific event will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in court security and broader efforts to protect the rule of law.
In the end, the memory of Judge Kalaja and the shockwaves from his murder may well mark a turning point for Albania’s justice system—a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who uphold the law, and the urgent need to ensure their safety in the years ahead.
