Investigations into the murder of judge Astrit Kalaja closed; prosecution formally charges Shkambi

The Tirana Prosecution has formally charged Elvis Shkambi with “murder of public officials due to duty” as part of the investigation into the murder of Appeals judge Astrit Kalaja.

Top Channel journalist Anila Hoxha reports that the closure of the investigation was communicated to Shkambi today; he is held under the “arrest in prison” security measure.

Meanwhile, according to the same sources, Gjon Shkambi, Elvis Shkambi’s uncle, will be formally charged on Monday. Elvis Shkambi also faces a charge of attempted aggravated murder in connection with the wounding of two people, father and son, who were the opposing party in the court case.

Earlier in the proceedings he was also investigated for illegal possession of weapons. As for Gjon Shkambi, he has stated he had no knowledge of his nephew’s plans and was unaware that Elvis would undertake such an act.

This position was made known earlier by his defense, while the Prosecution has raised doubts about his role in the events.

What happened to judge Astrit Kalaja?

The grave incident occurred on October 6, 2025, at around 15:40, inside the General Jurisdiction Court of Appeals in Tirana. During a court hearing, Elvis Shkambi opened fire at judge Astrit Kalaja, as well as at two other people — father and son Ragip and Ervis Kurtaj, who were parties in the case. Kalaja lost his life, while the other two were wounded.

According to investigations made public by the Prosecution, the shots were fired after judge Kalaja had read the verdict in a property case in which the Shkambi and Kurtaj families were parties. The Prosecution has also stated it is investigating the role Gjon Shkambi may have played in inciting actions against the opposing party.