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, 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
Today, on 04.10.2023, at 13:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 10/2023, dated 07.03.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 595, dated 07.12.2022, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Arbër Çela.
Following the evaluation of the state of the acts deposited by the assessee in the previous hearing, the Public Commissioner noted that some of them are not in the form required by the law and as such, should not be accepted as evidence. As for the content of the acts, the Public Commissioner stated that she will maintain a position in their regard during the final conclusions.
The Public Commissioner also submitted her position on a public denunciation, leaving it to the AC trial panel to decide whether to initiate an investigation, since the information of this denunciation did not affect the final requests of the appeal.
The assessee responded to some clarifying questions of the case rapporteur with respect to the acts and some questions of the international observer regarding the case.
The trial panel decided to not investigate the denunciation, as it fails to satisfy the provisions of Article 53 of Law no. 84/2016 “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”.
The trial panel decided to accept as evidence all the acts filed by the assessee that fulfill the formal elements, as provided for by law, and invited the assessee to re-submit the other acts in the form required by the law before the next hearing, which shall take place on 26.10.2023, at 10:00.
During this hearing, the parties must be prepared for the final conclusions of the case.
The public hearing will take place in the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber announces that on Thursday, 09.11.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall hold a plenary session on the basis of documents for case (JD) 2/2023, dated 30.03.2023, with petitioner Majlinda Salillari (Mançellari), against decision no. 117, dated 17.09.2001, of the High Council of Justice, with interested parties, the High Judicial Council.
This case will 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 session on the basis of documents 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, Rezarta Schuetz, presiding, Natasha Mulaj, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case (JR) no. 53/2021, dated 09.09.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Kreshnik Omari against decision no. 412, dated 07.06.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial in chambers, the trial panel, pursuant to Article 66 (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. 412, dated 06.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Kreshnik Omari.
• This decision is final and effective immediately.
On Monday, 23.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 49/2021, dated 31.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Avni Kraja against decision no. 368, dated 18.05.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Albana Shtylla
Rapporteur: Ina Rama
Members: Mimoza Tasi, 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.
On Thursday, 05.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 53/2021, dated 09.09.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Kreshnik Omari against decision no. 412, dated 06.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Natasha Mulaj
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, 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 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 15/2021, dated 31.03.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Arben Allajbeu against decision no. 334, dated 14.01.2021, 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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 15/2021, dated 31.03.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 1-20/2019, dated 07.01.2022, pertaining to the request of the petitioner Artan Bajrami for the revision of the final decision no. 11, dated 03.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 1-20/2019, dated 07.01.2022, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 31/2021, dated 04.06.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Maria Qirjazi against decision no. 351, dated 25.02.2021, 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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 31/2021, dated 04.06.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 16-20/2018, dated 20.10.2021, pertaining to the request of the petitioner Rovena Gashi for the revision of the final decision no. 12, dated 29.05.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 16-20/2018, dated 20.10.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber held the public hearing for the delivery of judgment on case (JR) 9/2021, dated 02.03.2021, corresponding to the appeal of the Public Commissioner lodged against decision no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, of the Independent Qualification Commission, rendered for assessee Kujtim Luli.
Prior to delivering the judgment, the presiding judge, on behalf of the trial panel, has communicated the following:
On 05.10.2023, the High Prosecution Council has forwarded to the Appeal Chamber decision no. 314, rendered on 05.10.2023, through which, has decided to declare the termination of the status of the magistrate because the assessee, Kujtim Luli had reached the retirement age. On the same day, the Appeal Chamber has received the request of the assessee for termination of the re-evaluation process for him, because the assessee no longer enjoys the status of a magistrate.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, on 3 October 2023, has made the decision on the re-evaluation process for the assessee Kujtim Luli, which has been scheduled to be announced and delivered today. Under these conditions, given that the decision of the High Council of Prosecution and the request of the assessee have been filed after the trial panel of the Appeal Chamber had already made the decision, they are absolutely inadmissible, because they were submitted outside of any procedural time limits and after the final decision on the re-evaluation process was made.
In addition to the above, the trial panel finds that the decision of the High Council of Prosecution, no. 314, dated 05.10.2023, although in its paragraph 4, provides that it becomes immediately effective, it contradicts law no. 115/2016, article 192, paragraph 1, which expressly stipulates that, “an appeal can be lodged against the individual administrative act of the Council, within 15 days from the date of notification to the Administrative Court of Appeal, unless otherwise is provided by law.”. In other words, the decision of the High Prosecutor’s Council has not yet become effective.
Even though, this argument is not relevant for not taking into consideration the above acts, the trial panel of the Appeal Chamber deemed it important to communicate it to the public.
Following this communication, the trial panel delivered the judgment made on 3 October 2023, for the case (JR) 9/2021, dated 03.02.2021, corresponding to the assessee Kujtim Luli:
The trial panel of judges of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of Natasha Mulaj presiding judge, Sokol Çomo case rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz member, delivered the judgment on the case (JR) no. 9/2021, dated 02.03.2021, regarding the appeal of the Public Commissioner lodged against the decision of the Independent Qualification Commission no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, related to the assessee Kujtim Luli.
At the end of the adjudication, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1, item “b” of the law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, the trial panel, by a majority of votes, ruled on:
1. Amendment of decision no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, of the Independent Qualification Commission and dismissal from office of the assessee Kujtim Luli.
2. This judgment is final and effective immediately.
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 15/2021, dated 31.03.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Arben Allajbeu against decision no. 334, dated 14.01.2021, 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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 15/2021, dated 31.03.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 1-20/2019, dated 07.01.2022, pertaining to the request of the petitioner Artan Bajrami for the revision of the final decision no. 11, dated 03.07.2020 of the Appeal Chamber.
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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 1-20/2019, dated 07.01.2022, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 31/2021, dated 04.06.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Maria Qirjazi against decision no. 351, dated 25.02.2021, 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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 31/2021, dated 04.06.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, the Appeal Chamber held the lot procedure for the replacement of judge Ardian Hajdari, appointed as panel member in case (JR) no. 16-20/2018, dated 20.10.2021, pertaining to the request of the petitioner Rovena Gashi for the revision of the final decision no. 12, dated 29.05.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
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.
Finally, the trial panel of the case (JR) no. 16-20/2018, dated 20.10.2021, shall consists of the following judges:
Today, on 06.10.2023, at 10:00, the Special Appeal Chamber held the public hearing for the delivery of judgment on case (JR) 9/2021, dated 02.03.2021, corresponding to the appeal of the Public Commissioner lodged against decision no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, of the Independent Qualification Commission, rendered for assessee Kujtim Luli.
Prior to delivering the judgment, the presiding judge, on behalf of the trial panel, has communicated the following:
On 05.10.2023, the High Prosecution Council has forwarded to the Appeal Chamber decision no. 314, rendered on 05.10.2023, through which, has decided to declare the termination of the status of the magistrate because the assessee, Kujtim Luli had reached the retirement age. On the same day, the Appeal Chamber has received the request of the assessee for termination of the re-evaluation process for him, because the assessee no longer enjoys the status of a magistrate.
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, on 3 October 2023, has made the decision on the re-evaluation process for the assessee Kujtim Luli, which has been scheduled to be announced and delivered today. Under these conditions, given that the decision of the High Council of Prosecution and the request of the assessee have been filed after the trial panel of the Appeal Chamber had already made the decision, they are absolutely inadmissible, because they were submitted outside of any procedural time limits and after the final decision on the re-evaluation process was made.
In addition to the above, the trial panel finds that the decision of the High Council of Prosecution, no. 314, dated 05.10.2023, although in its paragraph 4, provides that it becomes immediately effective, it contradicts law no. 115/2016, article 192, paragraph 1, which expressly stipulates that, “an appeal can be lodged against the individual administrative act of the Council, within 15 days from the date of notification to the Administrative Court of Appeal, unless otherwise is provided by law.”. In other words, the decision of the High Prosecutor’s Council has not yet become effective.
Even though, this argument is not relevant for not taking into consideration the above acts, the trial panel of the Appeal Chamber deemed it important to communicate it to the public.
Following this communication, the trial panel delivered the judgment made on 3 October 2023, for the case (JR) 9/2021, dated 03.02.2021, corresponding to the assessee Kujtim Luli:
The trial panel of judges of the Special Appeal Chamber, consisting of Natasha Mulaj presiding judge, Sokol Çomo case rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz member, delivered the judgment on the case (JR) no. 9/2021, dated 02.03.2021, regarding the appeal of the Public Commissioner lodged against the decision of the Independent Qualification Commission no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, related to the assessee Kujtim Luli.
At the end of the adjudication, pursuant to Article 66, paragraph 1, item “b” of the law no. 84/2016, “On the transitional re-evaluation of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania”, the trial panel, by a majority of votes, ruled on:
1. Amendment of decision no. 318, dated 03.12.2020, of the Independent Qualification Commission and dismissal from office of the assessee Kujtim Luli.
2. This judgment is final and effective immediately.
On Wednesday, 08.11.2023, at 10:00 a.m., the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 31/2021, dated 04.06.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Maria Qirjazi against decision no. 351, dated 25.02.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Thursday, 02.11.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 50/2022, dated 05.12.2022, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Julian Xhengo, against decision no. 560, dated 14.09.2022 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On Thursday, 09.11.2023, at 12:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 59/2021, dated 18.10.2021 pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Arben Smaçi against decision no. 425, dated 21.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Ina Rama
Members: Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Tuesday, 21.11.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 15/2021, dated 31.03.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Arben Alljabeu against decision no. 334, dated 14.01.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The Appeal Chamber has registered the case (JR) no. 44/2023, dated 05.10.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Bardhyl Shehu against decision no. 694, dated 10.08.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 11.10.2023, 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 consists of the following judges:
Today, on 12.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was postponed to 18.10.2023, 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.
Today, on 12.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was postponed to 18.10.2023, 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.
On Thursday, 09.11.2023, at 12:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 59/2021, dated 18.10.2021 pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Arben Smaçi against decision no. 425, dated 21.07.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Ina Rama
Members: Albana Shtylla, Mimoza Tasi, 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 12.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
Due to the objective impossibility of concluding the deliberations on this day, the hearing in chambers was postponed to 18.10.2023, 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.
Today, on 18.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber opened the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
Given that the International Observer of the International Monitoring Operation needs to be acquainted with an act in English, the hearing in chambers was postponed to 26.10.2023, at 13:00.
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Friday, 03.11.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers the petition of Ms. Rovena Gashi for the revision of decision no. 12, dated 29.05.2019 of the Appeal Chamber.
The trial panel consists of judges:
Presiding: Sokol Çomo
Rapporteur: Rezarta Schuetz
Members: Albana Shtylla, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi
The hearing in chambers shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at: Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Monday, 23.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 49/2021, dated 31.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Avni Kraja against decision no. 368, dated 18.05.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Albana Shtylla
Rapporteur: Ina Rama
Members: Mimoza Tasi, 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, composed of judges Albana Shtylla presiding, Ina Rama rapporteur, Mimoza Tasi, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on the case (JR) no. 49/2021, dated 31.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Avni Kraja against decision no. 386, dated 18.05.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial in chambers, 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:
1. The upholding of decision no. 386, dated 18.05.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Avni Kraja.
2. This decision is final and effective immediately.
The Appeal Chamber announces that on Tuesday, 24.10.2023, at 10:00 a.m., a plenary session on the basis of documents will be held for the case (JD) 2/2022, dated 20.06.2022, with petitioner Belina Kryemadhi, against decision no. 20, dated 31.01.2022 of the High Prosecutorial Council, with interested parties the High Prosecutorial Council and the High Inspector of Justice.
This case will 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 session on the basis of documents shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
On Wednesday, 25.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber shall consider in chambers case (JR) no. 44/2021, dated 09.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Tomorr Kullolli against decision no. 396, dated 09.06.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
The trial panel of this case consists of judges:
Presiding: Rezarta Schuetz
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Ina Rama, Natasha Mulaj, Sokol Çomo
The hearing in chambers shall take place in the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
The Appeal Chamber has registered the case (JR) no. 47/2023, dated 19.10.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 689, dated 24.07.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission related to the assessee Ervin Pollozhani.
On 25.10.2023, 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 consists of the following judges:
Presiding: Ina Rama
Rapporteur: Albana Shtylla
Members: Sokol Çomo, Rezarta Schuetz, Mimoza Tasi
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The Appeal Chamber has registered the case (JR) no. 46/2023, dated 18.10.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Sami Ujkashi against decision no. 592, dated 28.07.2023, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
On 25.10.2023, 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 consists of the following judges:
Presiding: Albana Shtylla
Rapporteur: Mimoza Tasi
Members: Natasha Mulaj, Ina Rama, Rezarta Schuetz,
The trial panel of the Appeal Chamber, composed of judges, Rezarta Schuetz presiding, Albana Shtylla rapporteur, Ina Rama, Natasha Mulaj, Sokol Çomo members, announced the decision on case (JR) no. 44/2021, dated 09.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Tomorr Kullolli against decision no. 396, dated 09.06.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial in chambers, 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 :
1. Upholding decision no. 396, dated 09.06.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Tomorr Kullolli.
2. This decision is final and effective immediately.
Today, on 26.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber held the public hearing of case (JR) 10/2023, dated 07.03.2023, pertaining to the appeal of the Public Commissioner against decision no. 595, dated 07.12.2022, of the Independent Qualification Commission, related to the assessee Arbër Çela.
Once the Public Commissioner confirmed that she was acquainted with the acts brought back by the assessee and assessed that these acts were in the form required by the law, the trial panel decided to accept them as evidence.
Given that the parties stated that they had no other procedural requests, the panel decided to close the judicial investigation of the case and invited the parties to submit their final conclusions.
The Public Commissioner stated that in relation to the asset assessment, the legitimacy of the financial sources of the assessee remains unproven, while there were deficiencies identified as well during the proficiency assessment. Finally, the Public Commissioner requested the amendment of decision no. 595, dated 07.12.2022, of the Independent Qualification Commission and the dismissal from office of the assessee Arbër Çela.
The legal representative of the assessee held that the claims of the Public Commissioner are unfounded and that it is proven beyond any doubt that the assessee reaches a reliable level in the asset assessment. The assessee held that he finds no justification for the positions in the final conclusions of the Public Commissioner regarding the proficiency assessment. Finally, the assessee requested the upholding of decision no. 595, dated 07.12.2022, of the Independent Qualification Commission.
After hearing the final conclusions of the parties, the trial panel closed the judicial review and withdrew to take the final decision of the case, to be announced on 03.11.2023, at 09.30.
The public hearing shall take place at the premises of the Appeal Chamber, at Boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, no. 3, Tirana.
Today, on 18.10.2023, at 10:00, the Appeal Chamber opened the hearing in chambers of case (JR) 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
Given that the International Observer of the International Monitoring Operation needs to be acquainted with an act in English, the hearing in chambers was postponed to 26.10.2023, at 13:00.
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, Natasha Mulaj, rapporteur, Albana Shtylla, Rezarta Schuetz, Sokol Çomo, members, announced the decision on case (JR) no. 48/2021, dated 30.08.2021, pertaining to the appeal of the assessee Alma Hicka against decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021 of the Independent Qualification Commission.
At the conclusion of the trial in chambers, 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:
1. Amendment of decision no. 364, dated 02.04.2021, of the Independent Qualification Commission, and confirmation in office of the assessee Alma Hicka.
The Appeal Chamber held today, on 30.06.2020, at 11:00 h, the session for the election of the President of the Appeal Chamber, for the period 26.07.2020 – 26.07.2023.
Upon the secret ballot which took place in the presence of international observers of the International Monitoring Operation, the candidate Albana Shtylla was elected with 7 (seven) votes in her favor.
This result was approved upon decision of the Meeting of Judges no. 12, dated 30.06.2020.
Mrs. Albana Shtylla shall take the office of the President of the Appeal Chamber, on 26.07.2020, when the office term of the incumbent President, Mrs. Natasha Mulaj shall terminate.
