After the guilty verdict sentencing Endrit Nika to 18 years in prison for the murder of their daughter, the family of Maria Clara Urdangaray expressed that their daughter can now rest in peace. However, the Argentine woman’s mother and father said that Endrit Nika can never be punished enough for what he did and announced that they will appeal the Basic Court of Prishtina’s verdict to the Court of Appeals, seeking a life sentence.

While speaking to journalists, Maria Clara’s parents held the flag of Kosovo and banners reading “Justice for Maria Clara.”

The victim’s mother, Magdalena Urdangaray, said that they have always believed in the justice system of Kosovo.

“Today Maria Clara Urdangaray can rest in peace. Despite all the difficulties—it has been hard from the start to bring justice—we have always trusted Kosovo’s justice system. We greatly appreciate the work of Prosecutor Armend Hamiti, who was always dedicated and today has proven his commitment by presenting all the evidence and upholding the truth. Clara has received justice, and we thank all the authorities of Kosovo,” said her mother.

Maria Clara’s father, Facundo Urdangaray, said that nothing can console him because their daughter is already dead, while Endrit Nika continues to live.

“Our daughter is still dead; nothing can console us, while he continues to live, and our daughter ended her life in the most brutal way. We had to witness everything before our daughter died,” Maria Clara’s mother said.

Speaking about the sentence, Maria Clara’s mother stated that Endrit Nika can never be punished enough for what he did and that they will appeal the verdict, seeking a life sentence.

“He can never be punished enough… This is something we will consult with our lawyers, Betim Shala, and most likely we will appeal this decision. In Argentina’s judicial system, the murderer of a woman—a femicide—is sentenced to life imprisonment… (we are seeking life imprisonment). Most certainly,” she added.

Today, the Basic Court of Prishtina sentenced Endrit Nika to 18 years in prison for the murder of the Argentine citizen in Fushë Kosovë in 2023.

During the verdict announcement, both the accused’s family and the victim’s family, Maria Clara Urdangaray, were present in the courtroom. After the judge, Gazmend Bahtiri, announced the verdict, the victim’s family called for “Justice.”