Manxhuka Responds to Photo of Kurti with Espionage Suspect: We Do Not Vet Anyone, We Commend the KIA for Its Discoveries

Following the arrest of Fehim Sali, who is suspected of espionage, a photograph showing him with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has been circulating in the media and on social networks.

The photograph was taken at the Government building during a meeting at which Kurti received Sali together with several other people.

Government spokesperson Arlind Manxhuka responded by explaining that, during his years leading the government, Kurti has met “dozens of minority organizations, along with their delegations, that are registered and operate in Kosovo.”

“We do not vet anyone, nor do we grant amnesty to anyone. However, now, more than ever before, security institutions such as the KIA are uncovering an increasing number of such suspected espionage elements, and we commend them for their work,” Manxhuka wrote.

Fehim Sali was detained on August 13 at the Merdare border crossing on suspicion of spying for Serbia’s BIA.

The Special Prosecution claims that, over an unspecified period up to August 13, Sali continuously provided information and assistance to Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency (BIA) with the aim of securing material benefits.

According to the Prosecution, he supplied the BIA with information about political developments in Kosovo, photographed and identified officials from the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), and passed on information about individuals who, according to the institution, are members of the Wahhabi sect.

The Basic Court in Pristina has ordered Sali to be held in pretrial detention for one month.