Minister of Justice Responds to Peter Rutlay's Sentence

The Gjakova court yesterday sentenced Peter Ndekane to 24 and a half years in prison for killing his wife and daughter. To this decision, the lawyer for the damaged party has warned victim Valbona Ndrecaj's brother, memory Mark. Rutecaj yesterday was sentenced for the second time by the same court, which was six months higher than the first time, less than the Court of Appeals.

Kosovo Justice Minister Selim Selimi has reacted to this decision.

I've been following Peter Rutttain's sentence for the murder of Valbonne and her daughter. Punishment policy remains one of the challenges of our justice system. As minister I have vowed that politics will keep its hands off justice, no matter how difficult it is. My duty is to ensure an efficient, independent and impartial justice system, accessible to all”, he wrote.

I never want to take credit when a courageous prosecutor or judge pursues and condemns the extortioners of the state and the corrupt, that is their merit. But in the same form, I am committed to respecting maintaining the independence of the judiciary. Justice in the country is not perfect, but with all challenges, we remain committed and courageously continue to advance the justice system”, Selimi says.

Peter Ndecaj in November 2018 had been sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Gjakova Court, while two months later he had been added another year and eight months for beating his former husband, Valbona Ndecaj.

By the Court of Appeals, Peter Ndolay was given the highest sentence in Kosovo on life, while the Supreme Court had decided to turn the case into retrial.

The College of the Supreme Court had concluded that criminal proceedings were committed in the act of first degree, and then the Second Court passed over those violations.

Valbona Ndecaj and her daughter were shot to death by the family head on the evening of August 7, 2018.