Politics
Judges' Association condemns attacks on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, criticizes Rama's language toward judges
Judges raise the alarm over the lack of protective measures by police and warn that statements by the head of the executive risk being perceived as interference in the judiciary.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 20, 2026, 18:23 · Updated 12:25 · 2 min read
In brief
- The National Association of Judges called the attacks on court buildings acts that are unacceptable in a democratic society.
- It criticized the lack of preventive measures by the State Police to protect judicial institutions.
- The association called the prime minister's language toward judges reviewing measures against protesters inappropriate.
The National Association of Judges of the Republic of Albania has strongly condemned the acts of violence during the recent protests, which it says have undermined the security and integrity of judicial institutions. In a statement on Tuesday, the association focused in particular on the attacks on the buildings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, including the fire inside the Supreme Court and the damage to case files.
The judges called these actions “acts that are unacceptable in a democratic society” and stressed that freedom of expression and assembly cannot justify violence against institutions.
Criticism of the police
The association expressed concern over what it described as a lack of adequate preventive and protective measures by State Police units. According to the judges, protecting judicial institutions cannot be treated as a secondary task. They called for immediate and effective measures for the security of the courts and their staff.
A rebuke for the prime minister
In the same statement, the association described as problematic the language used publicly by Prime Minister Edi Rama toward judges reviewing prosecutors' requests for security measures against arrested protesters. The judges acknowledge that criticism of court decisions is legitimate, but warn that it must not turn into personal attacks or pressure.
According to the association, such statements, especially when they come from the head of the executive, risk creating the perception of interference in independent judicial decision-making. The role of the executive, the statement says, is to guarantee public safety and not to prejudge court decisions, since only the courts assess the legality and proportionality of security measures.
The association called on institutions and political representatives to show restraint and demanded an end to any form of pressure on judges. During the week, courts in Tirana have reviewed dozens of requests for security measures against protesters, most of whom have been released with an obligation to report to police.
