Judges’ Association Defends Marko Boshku After Rama’s Harsh Criticism

The National Association of Judges of Albania has strongly condemned Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public attack on Judge Marko Boshku, calling it an unprecedented and unacceptable interference in the judiciary.

MArko Boshku and Edi Rama (Photoshop)

The controversy erupted after Judge Boshku reinstated a former regional director of the Police Oversight Agency (AMP), who had previously been dismissed for serious legal violations. Rama reacted furiously on Facebook, accusing the judge of protecting corrupt officials and undermining the fight against abuse of power.

In a lengthy statement, the Judges’ Association expressed solidarity with Boshku, describing him as “a judge of integrity and a model in his work”. The Association warned that such statements from the head of government are close to criminal acts and could seriously damage Albania’s EU integration process.

“The attack on one specific judge is an attack on the entire judicial system. This is an attempt to usurp judicial power and violates the principle of separation of powers,” the Association declared.

The statement urged:

1. The High Judicial Council (KLGJ) to take a clearer stance in defense of judicial independence.

2. International partners to support Albania’s reformed justice system and pressure political actors to respect it.

3. Government officials to remember that, under Article 145 of the Albanian Constitution, interference in judicial activity brings legal responsibility.

Meanwhile, Rama defended his position, accusing Judge Boshku of restoring to office a proven lawbreaker. According to Rama, the dismissed AMP official was caught in illegal construction in Ksamil and attempted to legalize it with false documents.

Rama denounced what he called “the traditional sport of judges without flag and homeland of the Old Justice”, suggesting that some judges continue to act with bias, shielding abusers instead of upholding the law.

He also announced that the Ministry of Justice would forward Boshku’s “misconduct” to the judicial oversight bodies (KLGJ – ILD).

This latest clash reflects the deep tension between the judiciary and the executive in Albania. Judges claim political pressure threatens their independence, while government leaders argue that biased and corrupt decisions by courts are holding back justice reform.

The dispute illustrates a wider problem: judicial bias and political influence remain key obstacles to Albania’s democratic consolidation and European integration. Critics argue that both judges and politicians have used their positions to protect vested interests, eroding public trust in the justice system.