ACA-Europe is shocked by the killing of Judge Astrit Kalaja of the Tirana Court of Appeal on 6 October 2025 inside the courtroom. The Association strongly condemns this heinous act and extends its condolences to his family and colleagues.
It is evident to us all that no judge should have to fear for their safety when performing their duties. Accepting the contrary undermines judges’ ability to deliver fair and impartial decisions. States therefore bear a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of independent judges (see also Principles 1 and 2 of the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary). Politicians and the media must likewise refrain from targeting judges for carrying out their judicial functions. Cases are adjudicated in courtrooms, not in the media.
The European Association of the Councils of State and Supreme Administrative Jurisdictions fully subscribes to the address delivered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Prof. Dr. Sokol Sadushi, at the Assembly of Judges of the Republic of Albania and stands with them in their pursuit of a safer, fairer, more humane and integrity-based justice in Albania.
