Judge Killed, Two Injured in Tirana Courtroom Shooting

A tragic courtroom shooting occurred in Tirana, Albania, where a man on trial for a property dispute opened fire, killing Court of Appeals Judge Astrit Kalaja and injuring two others. The assailant was immediately arrested, and the judge died en route to the hospital, while the two injured individuals, a father and son, remain in stable condition. The shooter reportedly acted because he anticipated losing the case. Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack, calling for harsher penalties for gun-related crimes, and President Bajram Begaj described it as a severe assault on the justice system. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Albania's judicial system, which has faced delays and reforms since 2016, and occurs amid a high number of firearm-related incidents in the country. The case underscores concerns over courtroom security and the rule of law in Albania.