The show "Në Shënjestër" has published new evidence from the investigative file for the murder of Appeals Judge Astrit Kalaja on October 6. One of the main questions is the armed entry of 30-year-old Elvis Shkambi, who, together with his uncle, Gjon Shkambi, passed the detector without being checked by security guard Banush Koxhaj, even though the device signaled the presence of metals.
The two stayed in the waiting room for about two hours, without showing any sign of distress. Elvis Shkambi had hidden the pistol in his waistband, under his shirt. At 15:29, after the call for the session, they entered room no. 3. At 15:35, immediately after the announcement of the decision by Judge Kalaja, Elvis took out his gun and shot him several times, fatally wounding him. He also shot Ragip and Ervis Kurtaj, who were injured but not life-threateningly.
Gjon Shkambi did not intervene, raising suspicions that he might have known about the plan. After the crime, Elvisi handed the gun to a court clerk and quietly went out into the yard, where he was arrested by the police. According to the testimony of the court secretary, the perpetrator pointed the gun at her as well, but said: "I have nothing against you."
During the investigation, Elvis Shkambi stated that he “did not plan the murder” and that “when the verdict was announced, his eyes darkened.” He admitted that he had been carrying a weapon for 10 years and claimed to work “in an intelligence agency.” Footage shows that he surrendered without resistance, identifying himself to the police.
His family, during the hearing on the security measure, publicly apologized for the incident, justifying it with “psychological trauma” from a long legal ordeal over a property issue in Shkodra, involving the former Reserve School and 31 other families. This case, accompanied by tensions, fines and constant complaints, had ended up in the hands of Judge Kalaja.
Gjon Shkambi has previously been charged with threats against judges and self-incrimination.
After the event, his family opened a GoFundMe, where thousands of dollars were raised.
The murder shocked public opinion and raised profound questions:
– Did the justice reform fail?
– Are Albanian courts safe?
– Is this simply a security issue or a symptom of a tired and delayed justice system?
