Murder of Astri Kalasa/KLGJ: We asked the Ministry of Interior for police officers at the hearing, they told us there were no personnel

2025-10-07 13:58:35Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Murder of Astri Kalasa/KLGJ: We asked the Ministry of Interior for police

The High Judicial Council convened today in an extraordinary meeting to examine the circumstances of the serious incident of the murder of Judge Astrit Kalaja in the courtroom, and to analyze the current security measures in the courts.

At today's meeting, the Supreme Court of Justice decided to make public all official letters and correspondence it has developed with the institutions responsible for guaranteeing security in judicial premises, with the aim of transparency and informing the public.

In this context, the High Judicial Council has announced that in all courts in the country, the State Police currently provides its service with only one employee at the main entrance where parties and the public move.

According to a VKM dated April 28, 2010, “On the protection and security of state facilities”, courts must be guarded by State Police officers, to guarantee order and peace during court sessions. Outside official hours, guarding is carried out by the “Illyrian Guard”, which is a state company under the Ministry of Interior.

"Considering that courts are objects of particular importance, the Council has repeatedly warned that the lack of effective police presence in courtrooms creates a serious risk to the safety of judges, staff and the public," the KLGJ reports.

This institution, on November 2, 2023, sent a letter to the State Police and, for information, to the Ministry of Interior, requesting the addition of State Police employees to the internal premises of courts and courtrooms during hearings.

"In response, with letter no. 9683/3 Prot., dated 11.12.2023, the State Police has announced that "we are currently unable to increase and plan the number of police officers to secure the internal premises of the courts and during court hearings, due to the limited number of police personnel," the Supreme Court of Justice announces.

Following this response, the High Judicial Council, on December 15, 2023, officially addressed the Ministry of Interior, requesting urgent intervention.

"Taking into account the recent incidents of threats against judges, as a result of the exercise of their duties, we request that measures be taken to increase the number and planning of State Police employees to secure the internal premises of the courts and their presence during public court hearings."

After this letter, there has been no response from the Ministry of Interior to the Supreme Court.

Due to the situation that occurred, the High Judicial Council appeals for immediate institutional responsibility from law enforcement and executive bodies, to guarantee the physical safety of judges and all participants in judicial processes.

"Such events cannot be treated as isolated cases, they require a strong, systematic and coordinated response, so that a loss of life in the courtroom, the place where justice should be protected, not overthrown, is never repeated," the Supreme Court of Justice appeals.



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