A judge in Albania has been shot dead after a man opened fire during a trial at the Court of Appeal in the capital Tirana.
Judge Astrit Kalaja died en route to hospital, officials said, while two others involved in the hearing over a property dispute - a father and son - were shot but sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Police said they had arrested a 30-year-old male suspect who they identified by the initials 'E Sh', but Albanian media have named him as Elvis Shkëmbi.
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama offered his condolences to Judge Kalaja's family, stating that 'the criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor.'
He also called for stricter security measures within the country's courts and harsher punishments for illegal weapon possession.
Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, emphasized that Judge Kalaja's murder was unprecedented in 35 years, urging for social introspection.
The gunman allegedly opened fire out of fear of losing the case.
Both the suspect's uncle and the court’s security guard have also reportedly been arrested regarding the shooting.
Albania's general prosecutor, Olsian Çela, remarked that this incident not only results in the tragic loss of life but also undermines the very foundation of justice and the legal system.
Judge Kalaja had been a dedicated lawyer for more than 30 years before his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2019.
Incidents involving firearms at public disputes have been on the rise in Albania; however, this tragic event highlights the critical need for enhanced protection for judicial personnel.
