The controversial new judicial map, which will see the number of courts reduced throughout Albania, will not be reviewed, despite protests from lawyers and criticism from human rights organisations, according to the Chairwoman of the High Judicial Council Naureda Llagami.
The new judicial map foresees the reduction of first instance courts from 29 to 12 and only two administrative courts- one in Tirana and one in Lushnje instead of six. Another prominent change will be the creation of a single appeals court in Tirana instead of the six national courts currently.
New Judicial Map for Albania Foresees Reduction in Number of Courts
This judicial redistricting seeks to rectify the court backlog and the absence of active judges resulting from the country’s ongoing judicial reform.
Half of the judges and prosecutors who have gone through the judicial vetting process have been dismissed, causing significant vacancies in delays in Albanian courts.
Llagami told the Laws Commission that the draft was finished and it was only waiting for government approval before being enforced. When asked by the opposition about the issues raised by lawyers, judges, and human rights organisations who say it will limit the public’s access to justice, Llagami said that it would remain the same as what was presented on 10 June and no changes will be made.
The Minister of Justice, Ulsi Manja, also emphasized that the map would not be returned for changes and that only the approval by the Ministry of Finance of the accompanying financial bill was expected before it went to the Council of Ministers for support.
Violation of human rights and lack of transparency were the concerns raised by Erinda Skëndaj, the president of the Albanian Helsinki Committee.
“The evaluation methodology does not take into consideration the law related to access to justice. During discussions with representatives of the High Judicial Council and KiE, we were told that the Council of Europe does not consider the physical distance from the courts as an obstacle to access. Yes, this affects poor people, those in need, people living in rural areas and women,” said Skëndaj.
Albanian Attorneys Boycott Courts to Protest New Judicial Map
Meanwhile, lawyers are continuing their protests today in front of the Supreme College of Judges from 11am, while the judges will be in a meeting.
