Story perspectives

Albania's Judicial Reform Stalled Amid Corruption and Violence

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Albania's 2016 reform to curb corruption faces challenges, highlighted by Judge Astrit Kalaja's murder in October 2025.
The vetting process dismissed 65% of judges, paralyzing the Supreme Courts and creating a backlog of over 45,800 cases.
Experts recommend reinstating the old judicial map and improving magistrate recruitment to relieve pressure.
The reform raised hopes for accountability but has not delivered legal certainty, with case resolution times rising from 3 to 15 years.

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Story summary

Albania's 2016 reform to curb corruption faces challenges, highlighted by Judge Astrit Kalaja's murder in October 2025.
The vetting process dismissed 65% of judges, paralyzing the Supreme Courts and creating a backlog of over 45,800 cases.
Experts recommend reinstating the old judicial map and improving magistrate recruitment to relieve pressure.
The reform raised hopes for accountability but has not delivered legal certainty, with case resolution times rising from 3 to 15 years.