Judge Shot in Tirana Courtroom

Judge fatally shot in Tirana courtroom during property dispute.

Story Highlights

Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot and killed in a Tirana courtroom on October 6, 2025.
The shooter, Elvis Shkambi, was a defendant in a property dispute case.
The incident has drawn attention to Albania’s justice reforms and court security.
The shooter, his uncle, and a court security guard have been arrested.

Incident Details

On October 6, 2025, Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot during a property dispute hearing at the Tirana Court of Appeal. The assailant, identified as 30-year-old defendant Elvis Shkambi, reportedly opened fire after an unfavorable ruling in his case. The incident resulted in the death of Judge Kalaja and injuries to two other individuals present at the hearing. Authorities have arrested Shkambi, his uncle, and a court security guard in connection with the shooting.

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Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms pic.twitter.com/DeLutWGaVO

— PARROT REPORT 🐦 (@PARROTREPORT) October 12, 2025

Justice System Challenges and Reforms

This event has intensified scrutiny of Albania’s justice system, which has been undergoing reforms since 2016. These EU-mandated reforms aim to improve transparency and accountability through measures such as vetting judicial appointments and enhancing court security. Despite these efforts, progress has been described as slow, with public dissatisfaction noted. Property disputes, which are common in Albania due to issues with land titles and enforcement of court decisions, have been highlighted as areas exposing systemic weaknesses. Previous reports of threats and violence against judges have also raised concerns regarding existing security protocols.

Official Responses

Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Edi Rama advocated for stricter penalties for gun-related offenses, emphasizing the need for a decisive legal response. President Bajram Begaj condemned the attack, characterizing it as an assault on the justice system. Judicial colleagues have held a memorial in honor of Judge Kalaja. The Albanian government is under pressure to accelerate judicial reforms and address identified security deficiencies. The incident has prompted renewed public discussion regarding the effectiveness of judicial reforms and calls for accountability.

Watch the report: Man on trial in Albania kills judge in Tirana courtroom shooting