Normative Act No.9 dated 25.03.2020 “On Special Measures in the Field of Judicial Activity during the Pandemic caused by Covid-19”
The Council of Ministers adopted the Normative Act No.9 dated 25.03.2020 “On Special Measures in the Field of Judicial Activity during the Pandemic caused by Covid-19”.
This Normative Act aims at outlining specific rules for the development of judicial activity in Albania, as well as guaranteeing the right to a fair trial during the extent of the pandemic situation caused by the spread of Covid-19.
Special Measures in the Field of Judicial Activity
The hearings of administrative, civil and criminal cases, scheduled before all courts, are adjourned until the end of the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19. From the date of entry into force of this normative act until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the terms for filing lawsuits, appeals and the conducting of any procedural action in administrative, civil and criminal cases shall be suspended, as provided in this Normative Act. If the terms fall during the suspension period, they will be postponed until the end of the pandemic.
During the extent of the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19 and with the aim of limiting the adverse effects on judicial activity, the councils and bodies of judicial administration of each court, following their competences established by law, shall adopt specific organizational measures for the conduct of court hearings, necessary to avoid crowding in courtrooms and court premises, as well as avoid close contacts between individuals, more specifically:
- Restricting public access to the court premises by guaranteeing only the access of individuals who are required to carry out urgent activities;
- Arranging access to services, by reservation and also through phone or electronic communication, ensuring that users can make use of the services within a specified time, and adopting any measures deemed necessary to avoid crowding;
- Establishing binding guidelines on the restriction and movement of persons;
- Closed-door proceedings of all public hearings;
- Conducting hearings for the cases not subject to suspension as per this Normative, in which the presence of the parties is not required, through the use of electronic means of communication for the presentation of procedural acts and decisions by the court.
High Judicial Council | Decision no. 128, dated 24.03.2020, “On the extension of suspension of judicial activities and services in all courts in the Republic of Albania”, amending Decision Nr. 127 dated 10.03.2020 “On the suspension of judicial activities and services in all courts in the Republic of Albania”
The High Judicial Council adopted the Decision No.128, dated 24.03.2020, “On the extension of the suspension of judicial activities and services in all courts in the Republic of Albania”, deciding to continue the suspension of judicial activity and services in all courts in the Republic of Albania, aiming to protect health of people during Covid-19 pandemic.
The presence of the public in the court premises is prohibited. During the period of suspension, public communication with the courts can only be kept by official mail, email, or online, through the official websites of the courts.
The duration of these measures will be for a period of two weeks, starting from 25.03.2020 until 07.04.2020 (including this date).
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