Judge Astrit Kalaja was fatally shot during a trial in Tirana, prompting calls for tighter court security across Albania.

An Albanian judge was shot dead in court on Tuesday after a man on trial opened fire during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in the capital, Tirana.

Judge Astrit Kalaja died while being taken to hospital, officials confirmed. Two other people involved in the hearing—a father and son—were also shot but sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police said they arrested a 30-year-old suspect identified by the initials “E Sh”, whom local media named as Elvis Shkëmbi. Reports suggest the suspect opened fire because he expected to lose the case.

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed condolences to Judge Kalaja’s family, saying: “The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor.” He also called for stricter security in courts and tougher penalties for illegal gun possession.

Opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha described the killing as the first time in 35 years that a judge had been murdered while carrying out his duties. “Today is the day for a deep reflection by all Albanian society,” he said.

Authorities have also detained Mr Shkëmbi’s uncle and a court security guard in connection with the shooting.

Albania’s general prosecutor, Olsian Çela, said the attack underscored the urgent need to strengthen judicial security “in every respect.” He added: “Beyond the heartbreaking loss of one life and the injury of two others, this event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system.”

Such incidents are rare but not unprecedented. A decade ago, a judge in Milan’s Palace of Justice was shot dead by a man on trial in a bankruptcy case.

Judge Kalaja had more than 30 years of legal experience, beginning in a district court before joining Tirana’s Court of Appeal in 2019.

According to a UN-backed regional monitor, Albania recorded 43 firearm incidents linked to public disputes between January and June this year, the highest among Balkan nations, though lower than last year’s total. (Arise News)