Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms

Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms


On Oct. 6, Albanian Appeals Court Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot inside the Tirana courtroom where he oversaw a property dispute case, according to the International Commission of Jurists.

Kalaja died of his wounds, and two others were injured in the shooting.

The 30-year-old suspect has been arrested.

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Kalaja’s killing quickly became a lightning rod for nationwide dissatisfaction with the Albanian judiciary. 

Former Albanian Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations Agim Nesho told Fox News Digital that reforms implemented almost a decade ago by the European Union and the US were “intended to strengthen the rule of law” but have been “transformed into a political instrument, undermining democratic institutions and concentrating power in the hands of the executive.”

“As a result,” Nesho said, “the public’s confidence

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