Albanian citizens win legal challenges in Strasbourg against domestic justice system

Reports highlight a pattern of individuals successfully challenging the Albanian justice system through the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. These cases involve citizens who received compensation after being subjected to what was described as a fragile and inconsistent judicial process.

Specific cases mentioned include Delijorgji, who was compensated after lengthy pre-trial detention, and judge Afërdita Hysi, who won a case regarding her detention. More recently, Thoma Gëllçi also secured a victory in Strasbourg. The legal challenges often center on issues of proportionality and the justification for restricting personal liberty.

The judicial landscape in Albania is described as being divided into two eras: before and after the justice reform. Despite these reforms, critics argue that the system remains prone to errors, such as detaining individuals based on the perceived risk of flight before a formal conviction is reached. When citizens win these cases in Strasbourg, the financial compensation is paid by the Albanian state.