The session of the United Colleges began at 09:30 a.m. on Thursday at the initiative of Chief Justice Sokol Sadushi, launching a procedure to partially revise a 2011 unified practice on personal security measures.

According to a Court statement, the review seeks to ensure a more consistent judicial approach in line with constitutional and legal requirements, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights standards.

The move also marks the first time the High Court chair has exercised powers under Article 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code to initiate a partial revision of unified case law.

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During the meeting, Ambassador Tarran reaffirmed the OSCE Presence’s strong support for Albania’s justice institutions.

OSCE Ambassador expressed condolences and reiterated the condemnation of the tragic murder of Judge Astrit Kalaja.

He stated that the OSCE Presence has been a long-standing partner in justice reform, offering technical expertise, legislative reviews and capacity-building for key institutions – including the Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, High Prosecutorial Council, High Inspector of Justice, School of Magistrates, SPAK and Special Courts on Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime and courts across the country.

Through our EU-funded Trial Monitoring Project, we monitor high-level corruption and organized crime cases to help build a more effective and transparent justice system.

Topics of discussion included the backlog of cases in the judiciary and the high rate of pre-trial detention in Albania. Ambassador Tarran mentioned that the Presence is preparing a roundtable to promote non-custodial alternatives and more humane approaches to justice.

Looking ahead to 2026, we look forward to marking 10 years of justice reform in Albania – celebrating achievements and shaping future progress.

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High Court chief justice Sokol Sadushi initiated Wednesday the procedure on election of the new Constitutional Court justice for a full nine-year term.

The High Court decision was announced despite Zaçaj’s request for the Venice Commission’s opinion on whether she can extend her mandate, claiming that March 10, 2025, is not the date that marks the end of her term as Constitutional Court member.

Sadushi confirmed that hat the application process for her replacement is now open as  Zaçaj’s mandate ends in March 2025.

Based on these notifications, the High Court said that all candidates who have submitted their applications for the vacancy have been notified about their term duration, if elected.

Given that the Constitutional Court has failed to announce the end of Holta Zaçaj’s term, High Court, as the body tasked by the Constitution, will exercise the exclusive competence to elect the new chief justice of the Constitutional Court.

This move follows the regular process for updating the Constitutional Court’s composition.

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A High Court panel composed of Justice Ilir Panda, Justice Medi Bici and Justice Albana Boksi, reviewed Beleri’s petition demanding suspension of enforcement of the verdict by the First Instance Court of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime and upheld by the Court of Appeals of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime.

“The High Court decided to reject the petition filed by Dhionisios Alfred Beleri on suspension of enforcement of the verdict No. 14 dated 05.03.2024 by the First Instance Court of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime and the verdict No.26, dated 25.06.2024 by Court of Appeals of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime.

Last month, the Court of Appeals upheld the decision sentencing Beleri to two years in prison on vote-buying charges. He was arrested a day before the mayoral elections last May.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) nullified Alfred Beleri’s mayoral mandate in the southern Albanian municipality of Himara after the Appeals Court decision.

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In a press statement, DP said that today’s High Court decision represents another step towards doing justice.

“Today’s High Court decision is another step towards doing delayed justice about DP leadership issue,” DP said in its statement.

DP voiced confidence that “a proper legal solution will be found to the issue, currently hostage to hostage to legal procedures, and will put an end to the delays caused by those who undermine justice and others who fear strengthening of the opposition.”

The Civil Colleague of the High Court decided to overturn a Court of Appeals ruling earlier this year, and decided to send the matter concerning the Democratic Party’s leadership back to the Appeals Court.

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“Congratulations to the four new judges of High Court of Albania, making 7 in total. High Court can now hear criminal, civil and administrative cases,” Kim said.

“Thanks to High Judicial Council which should continue appointments. Thanks also to President Ilir Meta for quickly administering oath. Justice Reform is moving forward!” Kim said.

The Albanian head of state, Ilir Meta, decreed the four new members of the High Court and called on the High Judicial Council to step up the process.

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