The European Court of Human Rights has found that Albania violated the right to private life of former judge Ervin Metalla by disproportionately dismissing him during the vetting process.
In the decision published on May 5, 2026, the court in Strasbourg analyzed the decisions of the Independent Qualification Commission and the Special Appeals Chamber, which had decided to remove Metalla from office due to irregularities in the declaration of assets and suspicions of fictitious transactions.
According to the court, although some of the judge's actions could raise ethical questions, they did not reach the level necessary to justify the most severe disciplinary measure, such as final dismissal from the justice system. The decision emphasizes that the Albanian authorities did not conduct a full and proportionate analysis of the case, failing to properly balance the public interest with the applicant's individual rights.
A key element of the reasoning relates to the requirement for Metalla to prove the source of his brother's income. According to Strasbourg, this constituted a disproportionate burden and not justified in the specific circumstances.
The court found a violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and recognized Metalla's right to financial compensation: 20,400 euros for material damages, 6,000 euros for non-material damages and 6,000 euros for legal expenses.
In conclusion, Strasbourg suggests that the case be reopened by the Albanian authorities, in accordance with its standards, if requested by the applicant.
