On Tuesday, 13.01.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 52/2024, dated 16.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Tonin Sterkaj against decision no. 795, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz

Rapporteur: Sokol Çomo

Members: Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Monday, 02.02.2026, at 13:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 46/2024, dated 11.11.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 803, dated 01.10.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Periand Teta.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Sokol Çomo

Rapporteur:     Natasha Mulaj

Members:        Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

***

On Monday, 02.02.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 50/2024, dated 11.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Aulona Bodo against decision no. 801, dated 19.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Rezarta Schuetz

Rapporteur:     Natasha Mulaj

Members:        Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

***

On Friday, 27.02.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 33/2024, dated 04.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 766, dated 22.05.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Ervin Aliu.

The trial panel this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Albana Shtylla

Rapporteur:     Natasha Mulaj

Members:        Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Rezarta Schuetz, presiding, Sokol Çomo, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj, members, announced the decision on case no. 52/2024, dated 16.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Tonin Sterkaj against decision no. 795, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

At the end of the trial in camera, 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. 795, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Tonin Sterkaj.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 13.01.2026, in Tirana.

On Wednesday, 14.01.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 31/2024, dated 30.07.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Petref Asllani against decision no. 761, dated 14.05.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Ina Rama

Rapporteur: Mimoza Tasi

Members: Natasha Mulaj, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Wednesday, 04.02.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 36/2024, dated 09.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 778, dated 28.06.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Vjollca Spahiu.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Sokol Çomo

Rapporteur:     Rezarta Schuetz

Members:        Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Ina Rama, presiding, Mimoza Tasi, rapporteur, Natasha Mulaj, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case no. 31/2024, dated 30.07.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Petref Asllani against decision no. 761, dated 14.05.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

At the conclusion of the trial in camera, 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. 761, dated 14.05.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Petref Asllani.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 14.01.2026, in Tirana.

On Thursday, 15.01.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 51/2024, dated 11.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Ornela Rrumbullaku against decision no. 792, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Albana Shtylla

Rapporteur: Natasha Mulaj

Members: Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Natasha Mulaj, presiding, Mimoza Tasi, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case no. 45/2023, dated 12.10.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision, no. 682, dated 10.07.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Enklid Gjini.

At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 6 of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, and Articles 451 (b) and 463 of the Civil Procedure Code, by a majority vote, decided:

• Dismissing the consideration of case (JR) no. 45, dated 12.10.2023, on the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 682, dated 10.07.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Enklid Gjini.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 15.01.2026, in Tirana.

On Monday, 16.02.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 44/2024, dated 11.11.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 789, dated 25.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Albana Palaj.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Natasha Mulaj

Rapporteur:     Ina Rama

Members:        Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Albana Shtylla, presiding, Natasha Mulaj, rapporteur, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case no. 51/2024, dated 11.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of assessee Ornela Rrumbullaku against decision no. 792, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

At the  conclusion of the trial in camera, 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. 792, dated 04.09.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Ornela Rrumbullaku.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 15.01.2026, in Tirana.

The Appeal Chamber held on 16.01.2026, at 09:30, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 21/2024, dated 06.06.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

The presiding judge announced that Article 179/b, paragraph 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania has set forth the transfer of powers from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office. Pursuant to Article 199, paragraph 2, of the Civil Procedure Code, the trial panel decided on the procedural transfer from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Klodjan Braho, present at the hearing.

During the submission of the appeal grounds, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that with regard to the asset assessment criterion, the explanations of the assessee remain unproven, at a declarative level, incorrect, unconvincing and unreliable. Mr. Klodjan Braho requested the Chamber that in the overall evaluation of the case, to take also into consideration the findings of the International Observer of the International Monitoring Operation regarding the background and proficiency criteria, assessing them according to Article 4, paragraph 2 of Law no. 84/2016, within the framework of Article 61, paragraph 5 of the same law. The Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that during the AC proceedings, the assessee is entitled to lodge additional evidence and arguments in disputing the appeal, but referring to the current state of the acts, Mr. Braho requested the amendment of decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

The assessee provided his explanations in objecting of the appeal grounds, maintaining that the acts of the case file and the exhaustive responses prove that the findings for the three vetting assessment criteria are unfounded and that they do not stand. In support of his claims, the assessee filed new acts, which he requested to be admitted as evidence. Mr. Gentian Hamiti requested the Chamber to reopen the judicial investigation in order to investigate the circumstances under these new acts, not previously reviewed by the vetting bodies; to dismiss the appeal as not objective and in conflict with the standards of the vetting process; and to uphold decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

After being consulted, the trial panel decided to open the judicial investigation of the case by accepting to collect as evidence the acts submitted by the assessee with the submissions and cited in today’s hearing. It also decided to collect as evidence the acts found in the case file linked with the Special Appeals Chamber decision no. 59, dated 22.07.2025, regarding the related person Armida Hamiti, related to the asset assessment criteria of the assessee.

When requested by the presiding judge, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that he did not consider submitting any request to be acquainted with the acts of the case file of the related person.

Once the parties stated that they had no procedural requests, the trial panel decided to close the judicial investigation of the case and invited them to submit their final conclusions. In order to allow the parties reasonable time for their preparation, it was decided to postpone the hearing to 22.01.2026, at 13:00.

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Wednesday, 18.02.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 35/2024, dated 06.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Saimir Nazifi against decision no. 777, dated 25.06.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Ina Rama

Rapporteur:     Albana Shtylla

Members:        Natasha Mulaj, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place in the premises of the Special Appeals Chamber, at the address: Bulevardi “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

*****

On Tuesday, 17.02.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 54/2024, dated 23.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Shpëtime Pitaku against decision no. 790, dated 26.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Sokol Çomo

Rapporteur:     Albana Shtylla

Members:        Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj, Rezarta Schuetz

The hearing in camera will take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

*****

On Wednesday, 11.02.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 45/2024, dated 11.11.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Seladin Pysqyli against decision no. 788, dated 25.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Natasha Mulaj

Rapporteur:     Rezarta Schuetz

Members:        Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

*****

On Thursday, 12.02.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 45/2022, dated 13.10.2022, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Brunilda Çarçiu against decision no. 542, dated 20.06.2022 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Natasha Mulaj

Rapporteur:     Mimoza Tasi

Members:        Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 20.01.2026, at 10:00, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 51/2023, dated 06.11.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 701, dated 25.09.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Jurida Bajraktari.

The presiding judge announced that Article 179/b, paragraph 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania has set forth the transfer of powers from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office. Pursuant to Article 199, paragraph 2 of the Civil Procedure Code, the trial panel decided on the transfer of the proceedings from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Klodjan Braho, present at the hearing.

During the submission of the appeal grounds related to the proficiency assessment, the representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that he shares a different position with the Independent Qualification Commission which, after ascertaining professional deficiencies on the part of the assessee, had decided to suspend her from office and the obligation to attend the 1-year training at the School of Magistrates. Mr. Klodjan Braho, stated that it turns out from the analysis of the acts of the case file, that the assessee has failed to reach even the minimum level of qualification for this criterion and that an incorrect declaration of assets by her has also been evidenced. The Head of the Special Prosecution Office assessed that the issues amounts to such relevance that they could not be corrected by the training program at the School of Magistrates, that Ms. Jurida Bajraktari should be considered inappropriate to continue in office, pursuant to Article 61/5 of Law no. 84/2016 and the measure of dismissal from office should be applied in her case.

The legal representative of the assessee objected to the appeal grounds, maintaining, first, that the problems in the asset assessment criterion are not such as to meet the standards of incorrect declaration and that they cannot be considered violations with a penalizing effect, whereas in the objection of the appeal ground, according to which the procedure of hiring Ms. Jurida Bajraktari in the position of legal assistant is considered a violation of her professional ethics, the legal representative focused on the proficiency assessment criterion, stating that the assessee has corrected the deficiencies through the 1-year training and that despite the issues, she has managed to maintain professional integrity in the exercise of her office. The assessee requested the rejection of the appeal and the upholding of decision no. 701, dated 25.09.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

Once the parties declared that they had no procedural requests, the presiding judge invited them to submit their final conclusions. In order to provide them a reasonable time to their preparation, the trial panel decided to postpone the hearing to 27.01.2026, at 09:00.

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Tuesday, 20.01.2026, at 12:30, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in a public hearing case (JR) no. 32/2024, dated 03.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 756, dated 09.04.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Klerona Meçi.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz

Rapporteur: Ina Rama

Members: Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj, Sokol Çomo

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 20.01.2026, at 12:30, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 32/2024, dated 03.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 756, dated 09.04.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Klerona Meçi.

The presiding judge announced that Article 179/b, paragraph 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania has set forth the transfer of powers from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office. Pursuant to Article 199, paragraph 2 of the Civil Procedure Code, the trial panel decided to transfer the proceedings from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, represented in this case upon special authorization by the prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Altin Dumani, present at the hearing.

The representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office declared the withdrawal of the Public Commissioner’s appeal, since the review of the documents of the case file revealed no such circumstances that could have influenced in the creation of the assets of Ms. Klerona Meçi due to her office.

Under these conditions, the trial panel decided to withdraw in chambers to make and announce the final decision as follows:

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Rezarta Schuetz, presiding, Ina Rama, rapporteur, Mimoza Tasi, Natasha Mulaj, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case no. 32/2024, dated 03.09.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 756, dated 09.04.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Klerona Meçi.

At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 6 of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, and Articles 451 (b) and 463 of the Civil Procedure Code, unanimously decided:

• Dismissing the consideration in the Special Appeals Chamber of case (JR) no. 32/2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 756, dated 09.04.2024, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Klerona Meçi.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, in Tirana, on 20.01.2026.

On Thursday, 05.03.2026, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 14/2024, dated 12.04.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Majlinda Tosku against decision no. 737, dated 13.02.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding:        Ina Rama

Rapporteur:     Natasha Mulaj

Members:        Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Wednesday, 21.01.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 38/2024, dated 15.10.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Neritan Hoxha against decision no. 786, dated 18.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Sokol Çomo

Rapporteur: Natasha Mulaj

Members: Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Sokol Çomo, presiding, Natasha Mulaj, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, members, announced the decision on case no. 38/2024, dated 15.10.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Neritan Hoxha against decision no. 786, dated 18.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

At the conclusion of the trial in camera, 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. 786, dated 18.07.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Neritan Hoxha.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 21.01.2026, in Tirana.

The Appeal Chamber held on 16.01.2026, at 09:30, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 21/2024, dated 06.06.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

The presiding judge announced that Article 179/b, paragraph 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania has set forth the transfer of powers from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office. Pursuant to Article 199, paragraph 2, of the Civil Procedure Code, the trial panel decided on the procedural transfer from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Klodjan Braho, present at the hearing.

During the submission of the appeal grounds, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that with regard to the asset assessment criterion, the explanations of the assessee remain unproven, at a declarative level, incorrect, unconvincing and unreliable. Mr. Klodjan Braho requested the Chamber that in the overall evaluation of the case, to take also into consideration the findings of the International Observer of the International Monitoring Operation regarding the background and proficiency criteria, assessing them according to Article 4, paragraph 2 of Law no. 84/2016, within the framework of Article 61, paragraph 5 of the same law. The Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that during the AC proceedings, the assessee is entitled to lodge additional evidence and arguments in disputing the appeal, but referring to the current state of the acts, Mr. Braho requested the amendment of decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

The assessee provided his explanations in objecting of the appeal grounds, maintaining that the acts of the case file and the exhaustive responses prove that the findings for the three vetting assessment criteria are unfounded and that they do not stand. In support of his claims, the assessee filed new acts, which he requested to be admitted as evidence. Mr. Gentian Hamiti requested the Chamber to reopen the judicial investigation in order to investigate the circumstances under these new acts, not previously reviewed by the vetting bodies; to dismiss the appeal as not objective and in conflict with the standards of the vetting process; and to uphold decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

After being consulted, the trial panel decided to open the judicial investigation of the case by accepting to collect as evidence the acts submitted by the assessee with the submissions and cited in today’s hearing. It also decided to collect as evidence the acts found in the case file linked with the Special Appeals Chamber decision no. 59, dated 22.07.2025, regarding the related person Armida Hamiti, related to the asset assessment criteria of the assessee.

When requested by the presiding judge, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that he did not consider submitting any request to be acquainted with the acts of the case file of the related person.

Once the parties stated that they had no procedural requests, the trial panel decided to close the judicial investigation of the case and invited them to submit their final conclusions. In order to allow the parties reasonable time for their preparation, it was decided to postpone the hearing to 22.01.2026, at 13:00.

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 22.01.2026, at 13:00, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 21/2024, dated 06.06.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

The Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Klodjan Braho, stated that the assessee, upon the submission of the new evidence and arguments filed during the judicial proceedings at the Appeal Chamber, managed to prove the opposite of the appeal grounds for all three vetting criteria. Finally, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office requested the Appeal Chamber the upholding of  decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The assessee Gentian Hamiti shared the same position with the Head of the Special Prosecution Office Mr. Klodjan Braho and requested the Chamber the upholding of the decision of the Independent Qualification Commission.

After hearing the final arguments of the parties, the trial panel decided to close the trial and withdrew to make and announce the final decision, as follows:

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, composed of judges, Ina Rama, presiding, Albana Shtylla, rapporteur, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case no. 21/2024, dated 06.06.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision, no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

At the conclusion of the trial, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 6 of Law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, and Articles 451 (b) and 463 of the Civil Procedure Code, unanimously decided:

• Dismissing the review of case (JR) no. 21/2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 743, dated 19.03.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Gentian Hamiti.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, on 22.01.2026, in Tirana.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 27.01.2026, at 10:00, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 39/2024, dated 15.10.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 774, dated 14.06.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Petrit Vukaj.

The presiding judge announced that Article 179/b, paragraph 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania has set forth the transfer of powers from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office. Pursuant to Article 199, paragraph 2 of the Civil Procedure Code, the trial panel decided to transfer the proceedings from the Public Commissioner to the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, represented in this case upon special authorization by the prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Adnan Xholi, present at the hearing.

During the submission of the appeal grounds, the representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office assessed that the assessee has made an incorrect and insufficient declaration of assets, while there are shortcomings identified as well in terms of legal knowledge, within the framework of the proficiency assessment, and findings in the background assessment, within in the context of the violation of the ethics of the magistrate, which should be taken into consideration by the Chamber within the framework of the overall evaluation of the case under Article 4, paragraph 2 of Law no. 84/2016, in conjunction with Article 61, paragraph 5 of this same law. The representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that during these proceedings, the assessee is entitled to file additional evidence and arguments challenging the appeal, but referring to the current state of the acts, Mr. Xholi requested the amendment of decision no. 774, dated 14.06.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Petrit Vukaj.

The legal representative of the assessee provided detailed explanations regarding the appeal grounds, objecting them as unfair and unfounded in law and evidence. In support of his claims, the assessee filed new acts, which he requested to be accepted as evidence by the Chamber after the opening of the judicial investigation.

As to the complaints, the representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that they contain no grounds and circumstances for further investigations, a position shared by the assessee.

After being consulted, the trial panel decided to open the judicial investigation of the case, accepting as evidence the acts lodged by the assessee, while deciding not to investigate further the complaints, as they fail to meet the requirements of Article 53 of Law 84/2016.

Once the parties stated that they had no other procedural requests, the trial panel decided to close the judicial investigation and invited them to submit their final conclusions, at the next hearing, which shall be held on 03.02.2026, at 12:00.

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The Appeal Chamber announces that on Tuesday, 27.01.2026, at 10:00, a plenary hearing shall take place on the basis of documents for the case (JD) 1/2022, dated 03.05.2024, with appellant Mimoza Margjeka, against decision no. 180, dated 09.04.2024 of the High Judicial Council, with interested parties the High Inspector of Justice and the High Judicial Council.

This case shall be considered by the judges:

Sokol Çomo                President of the Appeal Chamber

Albana Shtylla            Member of the Appeal Chamber

Ina Rama                     Member of the Appeal Chamber

Mimoza Tasi               Member of the Appeal Chamber

Natasha Mulaj             Member of the Appeal Chamber

Rezarta Schuetz          Member of the Appeal Chamber

The plenary hearing on the basis of documents shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3. Tirana.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 27.01.2026, at 09:00, the public hearing of case (JR) no. 51/2023, dated 06.11.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 701, dated 25.09.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Jurida Bajraktari.

During the submission of the final conclusions, the Head of the Special Prosecution Office Mr. Klodjan Braho stood by his assessment that the shortcomings of the assessee, Ms. Jurida Bajraktari, in terms of her proficiency, are such that they could not be corrected by the training program at the School of Magistrates followed by her, and that the opposite of the appeal could not be proven, even regarding the inaccuracies identified in the declaration of assets. The Head of the Special Prosecution Office held that the Chamber should take into account in the overall evalaution of the case the failure to meet the legal criteria by Ms. Bajraktari in the employment procedure as a legal assistant, as a violation of her professional ethics, a deficiency that cannot be remedied by the training program at the School of Magistrates. The Head of the Special Prosecution Office stated that under Article 61/5 of Law 84/2016, the assessee, Ms. Bajraktari, is considered inappropriate to continue in office, and requested finally the amendment of decision no. 701, dated 25.09.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission, the dismissal from office of the assessee Jurida Bajraktari.

The legal representative of the assessee provided detailed explanations in the rebuttal of the appeal grounds, maintaining that they are unfair, unsupported in law and evidence. As to the proficiency assessment criterion, the legal representative stated that the only exclusive authority that assesses the correction of the assessee’s deficiencies professionally after attending the training is the School of Magistrates, which has provided a positive evaluation, which should be considered decisive evidence in this proceedings. The legal representative stated that the employment procedure as a legal assistant of the assessee should not have been included as an appeal ground, reiterating also the position that the inaccuracies in the asset declaration are not such as to meet the standards of incorrect declaration. Considering that there is no logical connection in the three assessment criteria for violation of public trust in justice, conduct or concrete evidence, the legal representative finally requested the Appeal Chamber the dismissal of the appeal and the upholding of decision no. 701, dated 25.09.2023 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

After hearing the final conclusions of the parties, the trial panel decided to close the judicial review and withdrew in chambers to make the final decision, which it shall announce on 09.02.2026, at 14:00.

The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

On Wednesday, 28.01.2026, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in camera case (JR) no. 55/2024, dated 27.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Lazer Çardaku against decision no. 812, dated 08.11.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

The trial panel of this case shall consist of the following judges:

Presiding: Natasha Mulaj

Rapporteur: Sokol Çomo

Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi

The hearing in camera shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.

The trial panel of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of judges, Natasha Mulaj, presiding, Sokol Çomo, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, members, announced the decision on case (JR) no. 55/2024, dated 27.12.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Lazër Çardaku against decision no. 812, dated 08.11.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission.

At the conclusion of the trial in camera, 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. 812, dated 08.11.2024, of the Independent Qualification Commission and confirmation in office of the assessee Lazër Çardaku.

This decision is final and effective immediately.

Announced today, in Tirana, on 28.01.2026.

The Special Appeal Chamber held on 29.01.2025, at 10:00, the public hearing of case (JR) 42/2024, dated 28.10.2024, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 779, dated 28.06.2024 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Aurel Zarka.

The presiding judge informed that today, the assessee, Mr. Aurel Zarka, lodged a declaration with the Appeal Chamber, through which he notifies that he has chosen not to participate in the hearing, but to be represented by the lawyer Mr. Julian Mërtiri.

Following the previous hearing, the parties confirmed their acquaintance with the finding of the International Observer and its accompanying acts.

The representative of the Head of the Special Prosecution Office, Mr. Adnan Xholi, after analyzing the above acts, the reports of law enforcement bodies, and the findings of the International Observer, stated that with his behavior, the assessee, Mr. Aurel Zarka, has seriously jeopardized the public’s trust in the justice system and, consequently, fails to meet the constitutional and legal integrity standards necessary for the continuing in his office.

The legal representative of the assessee, Mr. Julian Mërtiri, held that the finding of the International Observer is evasive and unclear, as long as it is supported on acts, the veracity of which depends on the final decision of the ongoing criminal investigation against Mr. Zarka. The legal representative requested the non-admission of this finding as evidence.

The trial panel, after being consulted, decided to accept as evidence the written acts administered by the Chamber, pursuant to the interim decision of the trial panel dated 06.10.2025, the finding of the International Observer, together with the accompanying acts, as well as the positions of the parties on the aforementioned acts held during today’s hearing.

As to the request of the legal representative of the assessee, for the administration of the notification of the decision issued by the High Court to send the case for reconsideration to the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime, the trial panel announced that it may access it through open sources.

Once the parties declared that they had no other procedural requests, the trial panel decided to close the judicial investigation of the case and invited the parties to present their final conclusions at the next hearing to be held on 10.02.2026, at 14.00.

The next public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Special Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.