Albania - October 2025

On 7 October, during a property dispute hearing at the Tirana Court of Appeals, the defendant in the case opened fire in the courtroom, killing the presiding judge and injuring two plaintiffs. According to reports, he acted knowing the case would not be decided in his favor. The assailant, who was carrying an illegal firearm, entered the building without being searched, even after triggering the metal detector. The security guard now faces charges of abuse of office. The tragedy sparked public debate and concerns about public trust and the state of the judiciary. The European Association of Judges noted that the Albanian judiciary is under strain due to the vetting process, with members of the judiciary facing public hostility and attacks. Both President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack, with Rama publicly calling for harsher penalties on the illegal possession of firearms.  

Sources: Euronews, The Guardian, RTSH, General Prosecution Office, European Association of Judges, Replika, Periskopi