Albanian judge shot in court from a male trial

A judge in Albania was shot dead after a man opened fire during a trial in the Court of Appeal in Tirana.

Judge Astrit Kalaja died during a hospital, staff said, while the other two participating in the ownership dispute – father and son – were shot dead but received injuries that were not life -threatening.

Police said they had arrested a 30-year-old suspect by a man who had been identified by the initials “E SH”, but Albanian media have referred to as Elvis Skimbi.

Albania’s Prime Minister Eddie Rama proposed his condolences to Judge Calaga’s family, adding: “Crime aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extinct legal response to the aggressor.”

He also called for more secure security in the courts of the country and more thorough penalties for the illegal possession of weapons.

Sally Berisha, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, said the murder of Judge Kalaja was the first time after 35 years a judge was killed, “while fulfilling his duty,” adding: “Today is the day of deep reflection from all over Albanian society.”

The suspect in the murder of Judge Kalaja opened fire because he expected to lose the case, according to local media reports.

The uncle of G -N Skmbby and court security were also arrested for shooting.

Firearies against judges in the courtroom are rare, but they are happening. A decade ago a judge at the Palace of Justice in Milan has been shot and killed by a man who is in the process of bankruptcyS

The shooter also killed a lawyer and his teammate before escaped, but was later arrested.

Judge Calaga has been a lawyer for over 30 years. He initially worked in a district court before being appointed to the Tirana Court of Appeal in 2019.