The School of Magistrates organised on 7 October the graduation ceremony of 25 judges and prosecutors who completed their studies in the initial training programme for the period 2016-2019. The ceremony was attended by senior personalities of the country, representatives of the international community, as well as invited judges and prosecutors, lecturers and experts of the School of Magistrates, candidates for magistrates etc.

Addressing the participants, the Head of the Council of Europe office in Tirana, Ms Jutta Gützkow, emphasized that “An impartial, independent, accountable and effective judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy, protection of human rights and a State governed by the rule of law – the core values of the Council of Europe to which Albania belongs for more than 20 years now.” She told the young magistrates - “You will become known as the “justice reform generation”. High hopes are placed on you, the new judges and prosecutors, to contribute your share to the successful implementation of the justice reform which, we believe, will lead to better efficiency, quality and equal treatment provided by the judiciary to all citizens.”

The newly graduated candidates were also greeted by the Head of the School Sokol Sadushi, the Minister of Justice Etilda Gjonaj, the Head of European Union Delegation H.E. Luigi Soreca, the Head of the OSCE Presence H.E. Bernd Borchardt, as well as by the US Charge d'Affaires Leyla Moses Ones, etc.

The event took place in the new premises of the School in the “Pole of Justice” building.