Judges trapped inside court as protesters block exits – State Police accused of inaction
Albania’s Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has accused the country’s State Police of failing to act during a mass protest in support of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. The court has called the lack of response “unacceptable” and warned of serious threats to judicial independence.
The protest erupted on February 12, as Veliaj and several others faced questioning in a high-profile corruption case. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside SPAK headquarters, completely blocking access to the court. Judges and court staff were reportedly trapped inside for hours, while tensions escalated into the night.
According to official documents, the Republican Guard repeatedly requested backup from the State Police to secure the perimeter – a standard protocol during major protests. But unlike previous demonstrations on December 6 and January 6, when police actively cooperated, this time they did not intervene.
Shouts, threats, and attacks on judges’ cars
As the evening wore on, the situation turned volatile. Protesters surrounded judges’ vehicles, hitting them and shouting insults, eyewitnesses reported. Judicial officials were allegedly prevented from leaving, raising serious concerns over their safety.
In an official letter sent to the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of State Police, the Special Court blasted the lack of action, stating it “directly undermined the rule of law” and constituted “a grave violation of judicial independence”. The court has now demanded answers as to why standard security measures were ignored.
Political fallout and EU concerns
With Albania pushing for EU membership, the incident could raise red flags in Brussels. Judicial independence and law enforcement accountability are key conditions for Albania’s accession process, and any failure to protect the judiciary from external pressure could damage the country’s reform efforts.
The Albanian government has yet to respond, but pressure is mounting for an explanation. Why did the police stand down? Who gave the order? And will there be consequences for those responsible?
