Tragedy in Tirana Courtroom: Appeals Judge Astrit Kalaja Shot Dead During Session
Tirana, October 6, 2025 — Albania’s justice system was shaken today after Judge Astrit Kalaja of the Court of Appeals in Tirana was fatally shot during a court hearing.
According to the Tirana Police Department, the suspect — 30-year-old E. Sh., a party involved in the case, opened fire toward the judge and two other individuals identified as R.K. (65) and E.K. (45).
Judge Kalaja died instantly, while the two other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.
> “During a hearing at the Appeals Court for General Jurisdiction in Tirana, it is suspected that the defendant opened fire with a gun toward the judge and two other citizens,” police said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and that an investigation is underway to uncover the motive behind the attack.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and concern across Albania, raising questions about security measures in the nation’s courtrooms.