The murder of Judge Kalaja/People's Advocate: One of the most unprecedented events in the history of Albanian justice

2025-10-06 19:38:00, Aktualitet CNA

The murder of Judge Kalaja/People's Advocate: One of the most unprecedented

The People's Advocate has reacted to the murder of judge Astrit Kalaja. The reaction states that this is one of the most unprecedented events in the history of Albanian justice and that it is a serious alarm for the rule of law, public security and our society.

The Ombudsman emphasizes the urgent need for institutional accountability at every level that has the obligation to guarantee the life and integrity of those who serve justice. It also goes on to say that this serious event turns its gaze to a system that has been overloaded for years, with significant vacancies.

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A judge, a representative of the judiciary, was killed today inside the courtroom while delivering a verdict.

This is one of the most unprecedented events in the history of Albanian justice and a serious alarm for the rule of law, for public safety and for our society.

The Ombudsman expresses deep shock at the loss of Judge Astrit Kalaja and, at the same time, strongly raises the urgent need for reflection and institutional responsibility, in every link that has the obligation to guarantee the life and integrity of those who serve justice.

Beyond the criminal act itself that occurred today, this serious event forces us to look back at the roots of a system that has been overloaded over the years, with significant vacancies and a burden that has prevented it from functioning efficiently — not only in relation to citizens' expectations, but often even below the standards of the period before the justice reform.

Equally worrying is the lack of a legal culture that often sees the court as an enemy, not as a guarantor of justice — and the public discourse that, instead of argument and respect for the law, fosters distrust, contempt, and aggression.

In this climate, justice is vulnerable, and with it — society itself remains vulnerable.

Justice cannot be exercised under fear!/CNA