Murder of judge/ KLGJ reacts: Serious act, violates the foundations of the rule of law and security

2025-10-06 19:39:00, Aktualitet CNA

Murder of judge/ KLGJ reacts: Serious act, violates the foundations of the rule

The High Judicial Council reacted today after the murder of judge Astrit Kalaja.

Through a statement on the event, the Supreme Court of Kosovo expresses regret for the serious incident and emphasizes that this serious act violates the foundations of the rule of law, the security of justice institutions and the public's trust in the courts.

The Supreme Court adds that any act that attacks or violates the integrity of the courts damages public trust in the courts.

Full announcement:

The High Judicial Council met today, 06.10.2025, to issue the following public statement:

With deep sorrow, the High Judicial Council learned of the criminal event of the murder, in the courtroom, and while on duty, of Judge Astrit Kalaja, Judge of the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction.

This serious act undermines the foundations of the rule of law, the security of justice institutions, and public trust in the courts.

The High Judicial Council strongly condemns the criminal act of murdering our colleague, and emphasizes that any act that attacks or violates the integrity of the courts damages everything we build with work and dedication.

The Council emphasizes that respecting the independence and security of magistrates is the cornerstone of the rule of law, through which the protection of the rights of judges and the public interest is guaranteed.

Violating the physical integrity of judges constitutes a direct attack, not only on the magistrates but also on the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the public interest and trust.

We strongly condemn such a criminal act, as well as the use of hate speech, the denigration of the magistrate's figure, and the marked lack of respect for judicial activity.

In these moments of collective pain, we express our most sincere condolences to the victim's family, relatives, and colleagues.

The High Judicial Council expresses its deep gratitude for the solidarity shown on this difficult day, by all institutions, entities and individuals who publicly demonstrated their respect for the judiciary. /CNA