After being declared “persona non grata” by Tirana, Bekir Halimi awaits official confirmation from the North Macedonia Embassy

The Ministry of Interior has declared two citizens of North Macedonia, Valon Belja and Bekir Halimi, “persona non grata” over suspected activities detrimental to the Albanian state.

Imam Bekir Halimi responded in a communication with Top Channel journalist Anila Hoxha, saying that he had not yet received official confirmation of the decision. He said he would verify the information through the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia in Tirana.

Halimi also stated that he is awaiting the granting of Albanian citizenship. Until this process is completed, he stressed that he is accountable only to the laws of his own state.

In response to journalist Anila Hoxha’s question about whether he had been informed of the reasons for the decision and whether he planned to challenge it, Halimi said that he must first receive official confirmation through his country’s embassy.

He explained that his most recent involvement in Albania concerned cooperation with Shkodër County, within the framework of the current government, to organize an activity aimed at promoting Albania on the international stage. According to him, in recognition of his contribution, merits and impact on the project, he is expected to receive Albanian citizenship soon.

Halimi stated that, until he receives it, he remains subject only to the laws of his own state and that, for this reason, he is initially addressing the matter through communication with the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia in Tirana.

Imam Halimi denied that he had ever been part of or affiliated with any national or international organization or grouping. He said this had been a conscious choice and that his only involvement had been participation in the two liberation wars of the KLA, in Kosovo and Macedonia, during 1998–2001.

He added that throughout this period he had been part of the Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia, which he described as his only representative institution. Within this institution, Halimi said, he has fulfilled and continues to fulfill all his duties and responsibilities as a believer and as an imam.

Halimi stressed that he would continue his work as an imam, following the example of the prophets by calling people toward tawhid, or monotheism, and by opposing negative phenomena that bring serious consequences for individuals and society.

He said that, out of love and concern for their people, they would continue to raise their voices on these issues, considering this a religious, moral and social duty.