Gashi sentenced to 16 months in prison for accident that killed professor Ferhat Bejtullahu

Vullnet Gashi has been sentenced by the Basic Court in Prishtina to 1 year and 4 months in prison after being found guilty for the fatal accident that took the life of professor Ferhat Bejtullahu.

The decision was made public on Wednesday by judge Driton Berisha. In addition to imprisonment, the court also decided to revoke Gashi’s driver’s license, prohibiting him from obtaining a new driving permit for a period of four years.

The accident occurred on December 2, 2023, on “Bill Clinton” street in Prishtina. According to the indictment filed on February 27, 2024, by the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Prishtina, Gashi was driving the vehicle without a driver’s license and was moving in the lane reserved for buses and taxis.

The prosecution had argued that the defendant did not adjust his speed to the traffic conditions. While driving, the front part of his vehicle hit Ferhat Bejtullahu, who was crossing the road. Due to the injuries sustained, Bejtullahu died.

In his closing statement, prosecutor Ardian Mehmeti sought an effective prison sentence for Gashi. He emphasized that, before the accident, the defendant had been convicted 117 times for traffic violations and that even on the day of the incident he was driving without a driver’s license.

During the initial hearing, Vullnet Gashi had pleaded not guilty.

The decision of the Basic Court in Prishtina is not final, as the parties have the right to appeal.