Ida Ismail
Albania has been engulfed by two serious criminal events that have shocked public opinion and raised major questions about the functioning of the justice system and the control of public order. The two recent murders, that of a judge during a court session on October 6 and the assassination at Rinas airport, in the safest area of the country, monitored by dozens of cameras and under the surveillance of police forces, are examples of a reality where crime operates without fear of punishment.
The incident that occurred in the premises of the Tirana Court of Appeals, where Judge Astrit Kalaja lost his life while performing his duties, is a symbol of a state that cannot even guarantee the safety of law enforcement officials. The perpetrator managed to commit the crime within the institution that was supposed to guarantee order and justice. This act is not only a serious murder, but an alarm signal for the failure of security mechanisms in the judicial system, from the lack of control at the entrance to the minimal protection of judges, prosecutors and witnesses. Security experts, judges' associations and the Chamber of Advocates have described this event as an attack on the rule of law, emphasizing that when a judge is killed in the courtroom, no one is protected from crime.
Just 1 month later, another criminal act occurred in the most monitored area of the country, at the “Mother Teresa” airport in Rinas. In an area equipped with dozens of security cameras, under the surveillance of police forces and the control system, one person was executed with a gun and another was injured, in broad daylight. The fact that the perpetrators managed to plan, execute and flee from such a densely populated area indicates the high level of organization of criminal groups and the weakness of the state to prevent or react in time.
For security expert Fatjon Softa, this event is a clear test for the state, which has a mission to guarantee public security: "When armed perpetrators act freely in one of the most protected points of the territory, such as the airport perimeter, the message that is conveyed is twofold: For citizens, it creates uncertainty and loss of trust in law enforcement structures, while for international partners it raises questions about the level of prevention and monitoring."
At the scene of the incident, images of police officers trying to force open the windows of the victim's car, showing the lack of intervention tools, became a symbol of a structure unprepared for such emergencies.
According to Softa, Albania is in a period of turbulence in terms of order and security. He emphasizes that gun murders, assassinations and clashes between criminal groups are no longer isolated events, but serious threats to public stability and the country's international image.
"Events like this one involving Rinas or the murder of the judge are not simply investigative matters, but are alarm bells for public and national security. Every assassination in a protected area is in itself a challenge to the authority of the state," the security expert underlines.
Recent events have shaken public trust in institutions, the safety of tourists and the confidence of foreign investors. The murder of a judge and the assassination at the airport entrance are not just two tragic events. They are a reflection of a reality where crime has gained courage in the face of the state. If justice is killed in the courtroom and crime “moves freely” in Rinas, then the only question that remains is: Who is protecting Albania from crime anymore?
The security expert underlines that the way to regain control is through an in-depth structural analysis and improvement of security protocols.
"Increased patrolling of sensitive areas is required, investments in intelligent camera systems, the establishment of a security perimeter of 150-300 m outside the airport perimeter, a review of parking lots and in particular underground parking. Equally important is transparency and communication with the public to avoid panic." /acqj.al
