A Day Of Chaos Inside Albania’s Justice System
A shocking incident shook the Albanian justice system today, when Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot dead inside the Court of Appeals in Tirana during the session of a case.
According to official police reports, the suspect is Elvis Shkambi, who opened fire inside the courtroom, killing the judge instantly and injuring two other individuals — a father and his son.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after the session began. Witnesses described panic and confusion, as gunshots echoed through the chamber. Within minutes, police intervention units surrounded the building, evacuating staff and securing the crime scene.
Emergency responders attempted to save the judge’s life, but he succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds before reaching the hospital.
Who Is Elvis Shkambi?
Elvis Shkambi, the alleged perpetrator, is believed to have been a party involved in the ongoing case before the Court of Appeals. Preliminary reports suggest that he drew a firearm during the hearing, targeting Judge Kalaja in what appears to be an act of revenge or desperation.
Although the full motive remains under investigation, authorities have confirmed that Shkambi was immediately arrested at the scene, and the weapon of the crime was seized.
Police are currently conducting ballistic tests and reviewing surveillance footage to determine how the gun was brought into the courtroom — a failure that raises serious questions about security protocols in Albania’s court system.
Judge Astrit Kalaja: A Veteran Of The Albanian Judiciary
Judge Astrit Kalaja was known for his long-standing career in the Albanian judiciary, serving in several high-profile criminal cases. Colleagues describe him as principled and calm under pressure, a professional who “never compromised his integrity.”
His assassination inside the courtroom marks one of the most violent attacks on a serving judge in decades, sending shockwaves through both the judicial community and the public.
The High Judicial Council (KLGJ) and the Ministry of Justice are expected to issue joint statements, with calls already growing for urgent reforms to strengthen court security and protect magistrates across Albania.
Reactions From The Justice System
The Prosecutor General’s Office, the SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure), and the Tirana Police Directorate have formed a joint investigation group to determine the motive and the chain of events that led to this fatal shooting.
Unofficial sources suggest that the hearing involved a sensitive criminal appeal with multiple defendants, possibly connected to organized crime or property disputes, but no official confirmation has yet been given.
The Court of Appeals was immediately placed under lockdown, and forensic experts were seen collecting bullet casings and ballistic fragments late into the afternoon.
Security Concerns In Albanian Courts
This tragedy reignites long-standing concerns about the lack of security controls in Albanian courts, where metal detectors, armed guards, and body searches are often insufficient or inconsistently applied.
Legal experts have called this a “systemic failure”, urging the government to implement modern security systems, including digital screening, reinforced entrances, and panic alarms for judges and court staff.
Timeline Of The Attack
- Location: Court of Appeals, Tirana, Albania
- Time: Late morning, October 6, 2025
- Victim: Judge Astrit Kalaja, pronounced dead at the scene
- Suspect: Gjon Shkambi, arrested immediately
- Injured: Two civilians (father and son) currently hospitalized
- Weapon: Handgun, seized by the police
- Motive: Under investigation (possible revenge or case-related dispute)
Official Statements Expected
The Ministry of Justice and the High Judicial Council are expected to hold a press conference to address both the motive and the urgent need for judicial security reform.
Public reaction has been fierce, with many calling this event a dark day for Albanian justice.
What happened in the Tirana Court of Appeals?
Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot dead during a live hearing by Elvis Shkambi, a defendant in the case, who opened fire inside the courtroom.
Who is the main suspect, Gjon Shkambi?
He is believed to be a defendant involved in the trial, currently under arrest and facing multiple charges including murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Were others injured?
Yes. Two individuals, reportedly a father and son, were wounded by stray bullets but remain in stable condition under medical supervision.
What happens next?
A joint investigation led by the Serious Crimes Department and SPAK is underway to clarify whether the shooting was revenge-motivated or linked to the ongoing case.
The assassination of Judge Astrit Kalaja by Elvis Shkambi represents a devastating blow to Albania’s justice system and exposes the urgent need for structural reforms in courtroom security.
As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced daily by judges, prosecutors, and law-enforcement officers in the pursuit of justice.