The Appeal Chamber is an independent constitutional institution established to carry out the Transitional Re-evaluation of Judges and Prosecutors in the Republic of Albania in reviewing appeals against the decisions of the Independent Qualification Commission. The Appeal Chamber adjudicates disciplinary misconducts of Constitutional Court judges, members of High Judicial Council, High Prosecutorial Council, the Prosecutor General and the High Justice Inspector. It reviews appeals against decisions of the High Judicial Council, the High Prosecutorial Council and the High Justice Inspectorate imposing disciplinary sanctions against judges, prosecutors and other inspectors.
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mr. Sokol Çomo, after a metting with the European Union Ambassador to Tirana, Mr. Silvio Gonzato, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Albania, Mrs. Nancy VanHorn. “You have our full support, we will be present throughout the completion of the vetting process,” he stated. “Your commitment to completing it within the constitutional mandate shows strength and should serve as an example for other justice institutions", said Ms. VanHorn.
Members of the vetting institutions, International Observers of the International Monitoring Operation and heads of justice institutions after the conference “7 years of transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, held on the occasion of the closure of the activity of the Independent Qualification Commission and the Institution of Public Commissioners – December 16, 2024
The President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mr. Sokol Çomo, during his speech at the conference “7 years of transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, held on the occasion of the closure of the activity of the Independent Qualification Commission and the Institution of Public Commissioners – December 16, 2024
The Chair of the International Monitoring Operation Valentina Superti after a meeting with the members of the three vetting bodies, underlining the importance of the completion of the vetting process and continuation of the good implementation of the justice reform, for the benefit of the Albanian citizens.
13 February 2024
The President of the Appeal Chamber Mr. Sokol Çomo and judges of the Appeal Chamber following a meeting held with deputies of the Legislation Committee of the Assembly of Kosovo, focusing on the vetting process, exchange of experiences in this field, challenges of the process, mechanisms and the legal framework - December 11, 2023
The President of the Appeal Chamber Mr. Sokol Çomo and judges of the Appeal Chamber during a meeting held with deputies of the Legislation Committee of the Assembly of Kosovo, focusing on the vetting process, exchange of experiences in this field, challenges of the process, mechanisms and the legal framework - December 11, 2023
On 15 November 2023 a delegation from the Special Appeals Chamber of Albania, headed by its President, Sokol Çomo, paid a working visit to the Court where it was greeted by President Síofra O’Leary and took part in roundtable discussions with judges of the Court and members of the Registry.
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, during the solemn opening hearing of the 2022 judicial year of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), held in Strasbourg, France. Albania was represented also in this with the President of the Constitutional Court, Mrs. Vitore Tusha and the Vice President of the Supreme Court, Mr. Sokol Sadushi - June 24, 2022
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, during the solemn opening hearing of the 2022 judicial year of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), held in Strasbourg, France, attended by representatives of the highest courts of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as various local, national and international authorities - June 24, 2022The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, during the solemn opening hearing of the 2022 judicial year of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), held in Strasbourg, France, attended by representatives of the highest courts of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as various local, national and international authorities - June 24, 2022
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, during the solemn opening hearing of the 2022 judicial year of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), held in Strasbourg, France, attended by representatives of the highest courts of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as various local, national and international authorities - June 24, 2022
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, during the solemn opening hearing of the judicial year 2022 of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), held in Strasbourg, France, attended by representatives of the highest courts of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as various local, national and international authorities - June 24, 2022
May 4, 2022
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla, and the AC judges welcomed today a Moldovan delegation led by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Sergiu Litvinenco, with the goal of exchanging the best practices and learning how the vetting process works, the legal framework, the mechanisms and institutions involved, implementation results, as well as the public perception of this process.
Moldova has launched an ambitious reform of the justice system aimed at fighting corruption and functioning of rule of law. One of the specially impacting reforms promised to the Moldovan public is the vetting process, the assessment of the integrity of judges and prosecutors, and ousting those judges and prosecutors who fail passing this process.
The Moldovan delegation headed by the Minister of Justice included also members of the High Judicial Council, the High Prosecution Council, as well as heads and legal advisors of the departments of these institutions, who were informed about the progress of the vetting process to date as an essential part of justice reform in Albania.
Members of the vetting institutions and representatives of the International Monitoring Operation, after a meeting with the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement in the European Commission, Mr. Oliver Varhelyi, who assessed the results of the vetting process as essential for a justice system of judges and prosecutors with integrity. The Commissioner stated in a twitter post, “Reconfirmed EU’s full & strong support. Integrity of judges & prosecutors is key to future of Albania in the EU” - April 28, 2022.
Members of the vetting institutions and representatives of the International Monitoring Operation, after a meeting with the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement in the European Commission, Mr. Oliver Varhelyi, who assessed the results of the vetting process as essential for a justice system of judges and prosecutors with integrity. The Commissioner stated in a twitter post, “Reconfirmed EU’s full & strong support. Integrity of judges & prosecutors is key to future of Albania in the EU” - April 28, 2022.
Members of the vetting institutions and representatives of the International Monitoring Operation, after a meeting with the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement in the European Commission, Mr. Oliver Varhelyi, who assessed the results of the vetting process as essential for a justice system of judges and prosecutors with integrity. The Commissioner stated in a twitter post, “Reconfirmed EU’s full & strong support. Integrity of judges & prosecutors is key to future of Albania in the EU” - April 28, 2022.
On Friday 23.07.2021, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber reviewed in camera the case (JR) no.2/2021 dated 14.01.2021. The final decision was announced on 23.07.2021
Status: Concluded
The President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla during her speech held at the roundtable discussion “5 years of Justice Reform; Consolidation of the system through the new Inter-Sectorial Justice Strategy 2021 – 2025”- 23 July 2021
The President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla during the roundtable “5 years of Justice Reform”, organized by the Ministry of Justice, which was attended by the US Ambassador to Tirana, Her Excellency Mrs. Yuri Kim, EU Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Luigi Soreca and the heads of justice institutions - July 23, 2021
President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla during the activity on the presentation of the monitoring report of the HJC and the HCP, organized and hosted by the Albanian Helsinki Committee - 23 June 2021
President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla during the activity on the presentation of the monitoring report of the HJC and the HCP, organized and hosted by the Albanian Helsinki Committee - 23 June 2021
President of the Special Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Albana Shtylla and the Head of the OSCE Presence in Tirana, His Excellency Ambassador Vincenzo Del Monaco, during a meeting, where they discussed regarding the challenges of the re-evaluation process and the support possibilities by the OSCE for this purpose
President of the Appeal Chamber Mrs. Albana Shtylla and the German ambassador in Tirana His Excellency Mr. Peter Zingraf, during the meeting on the progress of the re-evaluation process and the importance of reviewing cases of disciplinary jurisdiction – 26 October 2020
President of the Appeal Chamber Mrs. Albana Shtylla with the Head of the High Judicial Council Mrs. Naureda Llagami, Head of the High Prosecution Council Mr. Genti Ibrahimi and the High Inspector of Justice Mr. Artur Metani, during a meeting on the actions taken regarding the proceedings and adjudication of cases within the disciplinary jurisdiction - October 2020
Representatives of the re-evaluation institutions in the joint meeting with the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Union, Oliver Varhelyi and the Head of the International Monitoring Operation Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, where it was reiterated the strong support for the re-evaluation process - 7 October, 2020
President of the Appeal Chamber Mrs. Albana Shtylla, President of the Independent Qualification Commission Mrs. Pamela Qirko and the President of the High Judicial Council Mrs. Naureda Llagami, during the meeting coordinated for the acceleration of the re-evaluation process for the candidacies from the judicial system, for members of the High Court – 7 October, 2020
Representatives of the re-evaluation institutions in the joint meeting with the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Union, Oliver Varhelyi and the Head of the International Monitoring Operation Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, where it was reiterated the strong support for the re-evaluation process - 7 October, 2020
Meeting with her Excellency, the US Ambassador to Albania Mrs. Yuri Kim, held in the Appeal Chamber premises, where it was discussed on the progress of the vetting process and where USA reassured their full support for the continuation of this process - 22 May 2020
Meeting with her Excellency, the US Ambassador to Albania Mrs. Yuri Kim, held in the Appeal Chamber premises, where it was discussed on the progress of the vetting process and where USA reassured their full support for the continuation of this process - 22 May 2020
Meeting at the Italian Embassy with representatives of the Italian High Council of Judiciary – November 2019
The President of the Appeal Chamber Ms. Natasha Mulaj meeting the EU Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Luigi Soreca. The focus of the meeting was to providing priority to the vetting of the candidates for the new justice institutions - 28 June 2019
Strong support to re-evaluation bodies by EU member states representatives (COWEB/COELA) during an official visit to Tirana – 26 March 2019
The President of the Appeal Chamber Natasha Mulaj during an informative meeting with COWEB/COELA representatives, providing an overview of the vetting process so far – 26 March 2019
The President of the Appeal Chamber Ms. Natasha Mulaj during a meeting with the representatives of German Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs chaired by Mr. Stephan Brandner discussing on the current progress of the re-evaluation process - October 29, 2018
The President of the Appeal Chamber with the representatives of the other re-evaluation institutions and IMO representatives after a meeting with the Director for Western Balkans at the Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations Genova Ruiz Calavera and European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality Věra Jourová.
Mr. Florian Ballhysa, Public Commissioner, Ms. Natasha Mulaj, President of the Appeal Chamber, Ms. Susanne Schütz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Albania, Mr. Heiko Maas, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Genta Tafa Bungo, President of the Independent Qualification Commission, during the meeting held at the premises of the Appeal Chamber.
Public Commissioner Mr. Darjel Sina, Judge Rezarta Schuetz, Public Commissioner Florian Ballhysa, Judges Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Luan Daci and Ardian Hajdari, during the inauguration ceremony of the new premises of the Appeal Chamber and Public Commissioner.
The President of the Appeal Chamber Ms. Natasha Mulaj meeting US Ambassador Mr. Donald Lu
The President of the Appeal Chamber Ms. Natasha Mulaj holding the speech during the inauguration ceremony of the new premises of the Appeal Chamber and Public Commissioner.
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Natasha Mulaj is holding a speech during the inauguration ceremony of the premises where the Independent Qualification Commission shall exercise its activity.
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs. Natasha Mulaj is participating in the discussion of draft-budget of re-evaluation institutions for year 2018 at the meeting of the Parliamentary Commission of Laws
The President of the Appeal Chamber, Mrs Natasha Mulaj the Director of Albanian School of Magistrates, Mr, Sokol Sadushi and the President of the Independent Qualification Commission, Mrs. Genta Tafa Bundo are attending the ceremony on the 10-year anniversary of establishment of Commissioner’s Office on the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data
On Thursday, 01.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers the case pertaining to the petition of Mrs. Ana Golloshi for the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
On Wednesday, 28.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 56/2021, dated 11.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Zegjine Sollaku against decision no. 416, dated 08.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
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The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, composed of judges Ina Rama presiding, Mimoza Tasi rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, considered in chambers today, on 01.02.2024, at 10:00, case (JR) no. 6-18/2019, dated 15.02.2022, pertaining to the petition of Ms. Ana Golloshi for the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
The trial panel decided to merge into a single process the petitions filed by Ms. Ana Golloshi, (JR) no. 6-18/2019, dated 15.02.2022; no. 67/7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024, with the same object “Revision of decision no. 13.08.07.2020, of the Appeal Chamber”.
The hearing in chambers for the consideration of the above petitions was scheduled to take place on 06.02.2024, at 10:00.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
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On Monday, 19.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) 42 – 17/2018, dated 11.04.2023, pertaining to the petition of the former assessee, Ms. Antoneta Sevdari for the revision of decision no. 6, dated 28.02.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
The trial panel consists of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Sokol Çomo
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
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On 01.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 61/2021, dated 28.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Daniela Sulaj against decision no. 426, dated 27.07.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari was due to his suspension from office by decision no. 13, dated 07.02.2022 of the Meeting of Judges of the Appeal Chamber.
Following the lot procedure for the appointment of the panel member, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 61/2021, dated 28.10.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, composed of judges Albana Shtylla presiding, Natasha Mulaj rapporteur, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on case no. 33/2023, dated 20.07.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 671, dated 14.06.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Ylli Bashaj.
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1 (a) of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, by a majority vote, decided:
– Upholding decision no. 671, dated 14.06.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Ylli Bashaj.
– This decision is final and effective immediately.
The Appeal Chamber held today, on 02.02.2024, at 11:00, the public hearing of case (JR) 72/2021, dated 23.11.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 442, dated 14.09.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Juljan Çafka.
Following the interim decision of the previous hearing, the Public Commissioner submitted his position with regard to the three denunciations filed with the Chamber.
The Public Commissioner maintained that the content of two out of the three denunciations was part of the denunciation dated 01.11.2021 by the same declarant, reviewed by the Public Commissioner, and that they are not part of his appeal. The Public Commissioner referred that the content of the third denunciation was also addressed during the IQC administrative investigation, and the latter decided to transfer the case to the competent body for inspection of any potential disciplinary misconduct. This case was also referred to in the appeal dated 11.11.2021 of the Public Commissioner, to be considered into overall assessment, in view of other possible findings from the review of the case by the AC.
The assessee held that the denunciations do not contain facts and have no probative value, and in support of his claims, he filed some documents that he requested the Chamber to administer them as evidence.
After being consulted, the trial panel decided to accept as evidence the documentation filed by the assessee during today’s hearing, as well as not to continue the investigations for two of the three denunciations received by the Chamber on 22.01.2024, as they do not contain facts or circumstances that meet the criteria of Article 53 of Law 84/2016 “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”.
With respect to the third denunciation, the trial panel decided to request new additional documents from the Prosecution Office at Gjirokastra Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction.
The presiding judge announced that on the hearing day the Chamber has received another denunciation, submitted before, and that the issues dealt with therein had already become part of the judicial investigation.
Pending the acts from the Prosecution Office at Gjirokastra Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction, the trial panel decided to adjourn the hearing to 23.02.2024, at 10:00.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Thursday, 22.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 61/2021, dated 28.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Daniela Sulaj against decision no. 426, dated 27.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
Today, on 06.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers for the consideration of the petitions of Ms. Ana Golloshi, (JR) no. 6-18/2019, dated 15.02.2022, and no. 67/7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024, with object “Revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020, of the Appeal Chamber”.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was adjourned to 15.02.2024, at 10:00.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber has registered the case (JR) no. 4/2024, dated 30.01.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Herila Çela against decision no. 710, dated 30.10.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 06.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, the presiding judge and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot shall consist of the following judges:
On Wednesday, 07.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 51/2021, dated 08.09.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Olsi Xhavella against decision no. 357, dated 18.03.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers will take place in the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Natasha Mulaj presiding, Albana Shtylla rapporteur, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on case no. 51/2021, dated 08.09.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Olsi Xhavella against decision no. 357, dated 18.03.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1 (a) of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, unanimously decided:
– Upholding decision no. 357, dated 18.03.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Olsi Xhavella.
– This decision is final and effective immediately.
Today, on 08.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 25/2023, dated 20.06.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Urim Buci.
During the submission of the appeal grounds, the Public Commissioner stated that she shares a different position from the Independent Qualification Commission, regarding the assessment of the financial situation, the sufficiency and legitimacy of the sources that have served the assessee the creation of his assets, as well as in addressing a case of conflict of interest.
With respect to the three public denunciations received after the appeal, the Public Commissioner stated that the appeal grounds are sufficient for the appeal request, amendment of decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Urim Buci.
The assessee objected the Public Commissioner’s appeal grounds, stating that they are unsupported on evidence and that decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission is based on a fair assessment of the facts. The assessee provided explanations about the practice of cases part of the public denunciations and responded to some questions of the case rapporteur in this context. Also, he requested the collection as evidence of certain documents filed in connection to today’s submissions.
The trial panel, upon an interim decision, decided to open the judicial examination of the case and administer as evidence the acts listed in the hearing by the assessee.
The presiding judge invited the Public Commissioner to state her position regarding the denunciations filed with the Appeal Chamber, and following the Public Commissioner’s request for a proper time and opportunity to take a position in the final conclusion with their regard, the trial panel, consulted on the spot, decided to close the judicial review of the case and invited the parties to submit their final conclusions in the hearing scheduled to take place on 16.02.2024, at 10:00.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Thursday, 29.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 43/2023, dated 14.04.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 681, dated 07.07.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Artur Ismajlukaj.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Natasha Mulaj
Members: Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Tuesday, 05.03.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 28/2023, dated 04.07.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Petraq Çuri against decision no. 658, dated 12.05.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Mimoza Tasi
Members: Ina Rama, Natasha Mulaj, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers will take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
Today, on 06.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers for the consideration of the petitions of Ms. Ana Golloshi, (JR) no. 6-18/2019, dated 15.02.2022, and no. 67/7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024, with object “Revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020, of the Appeal Chamber”.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was adjourned to 15.02.2024, at 10:00.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber has registered case (JR) no. 5/2024, dated 07.02.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Elio Mazreku against decision no. 717, dated 23.11.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 15.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, presiding judge of this panel and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot consists of judges:
On 15.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as rapporteur in case (JR) no. 60/2021, dated 20.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Durim Hasa against decision no. 399, dated 14.06.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari was due to his suspension from office by decision no. 13, dated 07.02.2022 of the Meeting of Judges of the Appeal Chamber
Following the lot procedure for the appointment of the panel member, and then for the case rapporteur, the trial panel of case (JR) no. 60/2021, dated 20.10.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
On Tuesday, 19.03.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 20/2021, dated 21.04.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Bib Ndreca against decision no. 337, dated 18.01.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Sokol Çomo
Rapporteur: Rezarta Schuetz
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Natasha Mulaj
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, composed of judges, Ina Rama presiding, Mimoza Tasi rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, considered in chambers the petitions filed by Ms. Ana Golloshi on the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
Following the examination of the petitions, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 498, paragraph 1, of the Civil Procedure Code, unanimously decided:
Non-acceptance of the requests of the petitioner Ana Golloshi for the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber, registered with no. 6 – 18/ 2019 (JR), dated 15.02.2022, and no. 67/ 7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024.
Today, on 06.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers for the consideration of the petitions of Ms. Ana Golloshi, (JR) no. 6-18/2019, dated 15.02.2022, and no. 67/7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024, with object “Revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020, of the Appeal Chamber”.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was adjourned to 15.02.2024, at 10:00.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber has registered case (JR) no. 5/2024, dated 07.02.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Elio Mazreku against decision no. 717, dated 23.11.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 15.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, presiding judge of this panel and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot consists of judges:
On 15.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as rapporteur in case (JR) no. 60/2021, dated 20.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Durim Hasa against decision no. 399, dated 14.06.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari was due to his suspension from office by decision no. 13, dated 07.02.2022 of the Meeting of Judges of the Appeal Chamber
Following the lot procedure for the appointment of the panel member, and then for the case rapporteur, the trial panel of case (JR) no. 60/2021, dated 20.10.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
On Tuesday, 19.03.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 20/2021, dated 21.04.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Bib Ndreca against decision no. 337, dated 18.01.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Sokol Çomo
Rapporteur: Rezarta Schuetz
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Natasha Mulaj
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, composed of judges, Ina Rama presiding, Mimoza Tasi rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, considered in chambers the petitions filed by Ms. Ana Golloshi on the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
Following the examination of the petitions, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 498, paragraph 1, of the Civil Procedure Code, unanimously decided:
Non-acceptance of the requests of the petitioner Ana Golloshi for the revision of decision no. 13, dated 08.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber, registered with no. 6 – 18/ 2019 (JR), dated 15.02.2022, and no. 67/ 7 Prot., dated 22.01.2024.
Today, on 16.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 25/2023, dated 20.06.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Urim Buci.
The presiding judge informed the parties that a new denunciation was administered at the Chamber on 14.02.2024, forwarded for acquaintance to the parties. In relation to this denunciation, the Public Commissioner held that the appeal grounds are sufficient for the requests in the appeal and that she would maintain a position with its regard, if the court decided to reopen the judicial investigation.
The assessee stated that it was not necessary to open an investigation on this denunciation, making available some acts of the case raised in the denunciation.
The trial panel, after being consulted, decided not to investigate the denunciation filed again with the Chamber, as it fails to contain facts or circumstances that meet the criteria of Article 53 of Law 84/2016 “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”
In the final conclusions, the Public Commissioner stated that even after the review of the case at the Appeal Chamber, the assessee failed to prove his claims on the legitimacy of the sources of creation of the assets. With respect to the denunciations, the Public Commissioner requested the AC that the deficiencies and shortcomings identified in two of them, together with the conflict-of-interest situation, part of the appeal, be taken into consideration by the AC in the overall evaluation of the case. Finally, the Public Commissioner requested the Chamber the amendment of decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission, and the dismissal from office of the assessee Urim Buci.
The assessee, during his objections, submitted that the final conclusions of the Public Commissioner are unfounded and requested the trial panel to uphold decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
After hearing the final conclusions of the parties, the panel decided to close the judicial review and withdrew to take the final decision of the case, to be announced on 26.02.2024, at 15:00.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Monday, 19.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) 42 – 17/2018, dated 11.04.2023, pertaining to the petition of the former assessee, Ms. Antoneta Sevdari for the revision of decision no. 6, dated 28.02.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
The trial panel consists of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Sokol Çomo
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber held on 19.02.2024, at 10:00, the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 42 – 17/2018, dated 11.04.2023, pertaining to the petition of the former assessee, Ms. Antoneta Sevdari for the revision of decision (JR) no. 6, dated 28.02.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
During this hearing in chambers, the panel decided to transfer the consideration of the case to a public hearing with the presence of the petitioner Ms. Antoneta Sevdari, and the Institution of Public Commissioners, on Monday, 11.03.2024, at 10:00.
The Appeal Chamber took this decision in the context of providing guarantees for a due process of law, under Article 4, paragraph 5 of Law no. 84/2016 “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, to provide the opportunity to the Institution of Public Commissioners and the petitioner, Ms. Antoneta Sevdari, to be heard and hold their positions with respect to the petition for the revision of the AC decision (JR) no. 6, dated 28.02.2019.
The trial panel of this case shall consist of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Sokol Çomo
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Thursday, 07.03.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 3/2023, dated 17.01.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 592, dated 24.11.2022 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Erion Pano.
The trial panel of this case shall consist of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Mimoza Tasi
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Sokol Çomo
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Thursday, 22.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 61/2021, dated 28.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Daniela Sulaj against decision no. 426, dated 27.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Natasha Mulaj
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Natasha Mulaj presiding, Albana Shtylla rapporteur, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on case no. 61/2021, dated 28.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Daniela Sulaj against decision no. 426, dated 27.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1 (b) of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, by a majority vote, decided:
– Amendment of decision no. 426, dated 27.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission and confirmation in office of the assessee Daniela Sulaj.
– This decision is final and effective immediately.
The Appeal Chamber has registered case (JR) 6/2024, dated 14.02.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 724, dated 13.12.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission related to the assessee Arben Agovi.
On 22.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, the presiding judge of this panel and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot is composed with the following judges:
Presiding: Albana Shtylla
Rapporteur: Rezarta Schuetz
Members: Sokol Çomo, Natasha Mulaj, Mimoza Tasi
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The Appeal Chamber has registered case (JR) 7/2024, dated 16.02.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Dorjan Tafilaj against decision no. 728, dated 28.12.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 22.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, the presiding judge of this panel and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot is composed with the following judges:
The Appeal Chamber has registered case no. 2-19/2021 (JR), dated 19.02.2024, pertaining to the petition of Ms. Elbana Lluri with subject “Revision of the final decision no. 26, dated 06.07.2022 of the Appeal Chamber.”
On 22.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the appointment of the trial panel, the presiding judge of this panel and the case rapporteur.
The trial panel appointed by lot is composed with the following judges as follows:
On 22.02.2024, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 64/2021, dated 02.11.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Adelina Zarka against decision no. 446, dated 16.09.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari was due to his suspension from office by decision no. 13, dated 07.02.2022 of the Meeting of Judges of the Appeal Chamber
Following the lot procedure for the appointment of the panel member, the trial panel of case (JR) no. 64/2021, dated 02.11.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 23.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 72/2021, dated 23.11.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 442, dated 14.09.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Juljan Çafka.
The presiding judge informed the parties that the documents requested by the Chamber from the Prosecution office at Gjirokastra General Jurisdiction Court of First Instance have been forwarded and have been made available to the parties to be acquainted with. The trial panel decided to accept them as evidence.
The Public Commissioner submitted his findings regarding the documentation forwarded by the Prosecution office at Gjirokastra General Jurisdiction Court of First Instance, related to the case investigated by the assessee, in view of the denunciations part of the appeal. The Public Commissioner requested the Chamber, referring to the circumstances identified by him, to evaluate whether the assessee has undertaken full investigative actions, in the cases he handled in his capacity as prosecutor.
In order to support the claim that in each referred case the investigations have been complete, the assessee filed several documents, which he requested to be accepted as evidence by the court. The assessee requested reasonable time to file with the AC some additional documents in support of his claims.
Following some clarifications that the case rapporteur questioned the parties regarding their positions held during today’s hearing and after inviting the assessee to be clear in his request regarding the cases for which the Chamber has reopened the judicial investigation of the case, the panel decided to postpone the hearing on 04.03.2024, at 10:00, to provide the necessary time to the assessee to forward to the Chamber the alleged acts and, if he will assess them, to submit his written position.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana
On Monday, 18.03.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 64/2021, dated 02.11.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Adelina Zarka against decision no. 446, dated 16.09.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Sokol Çomo
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Natasha Mulaj presiding, Ina Rama rapporteur, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on case no. 25/2023, dated 20.06.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Urim Buci.
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1 (b) of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional reassessment of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, unanimously decided:
– Amendment of decision no. 651, dated 27.04.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission and dismissal from office of the assessee Urim Buci.
– This decision is final and effective immediately.
On Wednesday, 28.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 56/2021, dated 11.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Zegjine Sollaku against decision no. 416, dated 08.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Sokol Çomo presiding, Ina Rama rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Natasha Mulaj, Rezarta Schuetz members, announced the decision on case no. 56/2021, dated 11.10.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Zegjine Sollaku against decision no. 416, dated 08.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1 (a) of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, unanimously decided:
– Upholding decision no. 416, dated 08.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Zegjine Sollaku.
– This decision is final and effective immediately.
Today, on 29.02.2024, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 43/2023, dated 22.09.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 681, dated 07.07.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Artur Ismajlukaj.
The Public Commissioner submitted the appeal grounds related to the background assessment, stating that the assessee has violated the public’s trust in justice and that the decision of the Independent Qualification Commission to confirm him in office is not the result of an overall assessment of facts and evidence. The Public Commissioner, while adding that there are inconsistencies in the declarations of the assessee for the asset assessment, requested the amendment of decision no. 681, dated 07.07.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Artur Ismajlukaj.
The legal representative of the assessee disputed the findings in the appeal grounds of the Public Commissioner and filed new additional documents to prove the opposite of the appeal.
With regard some public denunciations administered at the Appeal Chamber, the Public Commissioner held that, since they have been received before the submission of the appeal, there is no new position with their regard.
After being consulted, the trial panel decided to accept as evidence the documentation submitted by the assessee, closed the judicial investigation of the case, and invited the parties to file the final conclusions at the next hearing, to be held on 25.03.2024, at 10:00.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
Today, on 30.06.2023, at 11 h, was held the session for the election of the President of the Special Appeal Chamber, who shall exercise this office for a 3-year mandate, as of 27.07.2023.
Upon the secret ballot procedure, which took place in the presence of the international observers of the International Monitoring Operation, the candidate Mr. Sokol Çomo was unanimously elected.
This result was approved upon the decision of the Meeting of Judges no.60, dated 30.06.2023.
Mr. Sokol Çomo shall take the office of the President of the Appeal Chamber on 27.07.2023, when the term of the incumbent President Mrs. Albana Shtylla shall terminate.
