In Kosovo, Sheholli pleads not guilty to spying for Serbia
In Pristina, Kosovo, former political commentator and former head of the Institute for the Development of Interethnic Relations Fatmir Sheholli pleaded not guilty to charges of spying for Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA). He also faces a separate charge of blackmail. A preliminary hearing at the Basic Court of Pristina was held on September 7.
As Balkan Insight reports, Sheholli was arrested in October 2025 and has remained in custody since then. Prosecutors claim that, acting on BIA instructions, he collected and transmitted information about Kosovo’s state institutions, political activities, and security situation.
Defense motion
Judge Avni Sila informed the defendant and his defense of their right to challenge the evidence or request the dismissal of the indictment within 30 days. Lawyer Mentor Neziri said his client waived this right and asked to proceed immediately to the trial stage.
According to the prosecution, Sheholli carried out assignments for Bojan Dimic, whom prosecutors describe as a senior BIA official. The materials allegedly passed on included information about the property of Kosovo Serbs, business activity, and the work of Kosovo’s institutions.
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Prosecution’s version
The indictment states that on August 5, 2025, Sheholli sent a document marked “Top Secret 2” to a person identified as Viktor Makedonija. Prosecutors claim the document contained a secret political and strategic plan involving influential people from sports, music, media, and politics. According to investigators, the plan was intended to promote Islamic radicalization in Kosovo and the region, destabilize the country, and damage its international reputation.
Prosecutors also state that in September 2025, Sheholli gave journalist Milaim Zeka materials allegedly obtained from Dimic for publication on the television program “Pa Rrotulla.” According to the prosecution, Zeka received 1,000 euros. Sheholli denied that the journalist knew about his direct communication with Dimic and told investigators that Zeka had requested between 3,000 and 4,000 euros for translating, editing, and publishing the materials.
Separately, Sheholli is accused of blackmailing Kosovo-Albanian businessman Arben Jetullahu from 2022 through December 2025. Investigators claim that he demanded more than 13,000 euros, threatening to release video recordings and other compromising information.
