The Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) on Friday published an audio recording featuring Fatmir Sheholli, who was arrested on suspicion of espionage, in conversation with two other individuals.
According to sources from “Betimi për Drejtësi”, the recording involves MP Duda Balje and a person named Amir Rrustemoviq.
When contacted by “Betimi për Drejtësi”, Rrustemoviq confirmed that he and Balje are in the recording alongside Sheholli.
Journalist: According to our sources, are you in that recording with Duda Balje? Can you confirm?
Rrustemoviq: Yes, and also with Fatmir Sheholli.
When asked about the content of the conversation, Rrustemoviq refused to disclose details, claiming he is a “person of the state”:
“Ma’am, I am a person of the state, I’ve been with the state for 25 years. I cannot just talk on the phone like that, I’m not a schemer or anyone else, I am also part of (unclear) state organs,” he said, without specifying his position.
Regarding his relationship with Duda Balje, he remained vague:
“For Duda (hahaha). Oh dear, what can I do, not much to say,” he commented.
Attempts to reach MP Duda Balje for comment were unsuccessful; she did not answer calls or messages.
Rrustemoviq also stated that the timing and content of the meeting are classified:
“It is secret, really secret. Question worth a million euros,” he added.
The public broadcaster reported that the recording suggests Sheholli has connections with the Serb List, stating he has good relations with Milan Radoiçiq:
“I have enormous support from the Serb List in everything. It is quite strange for the public opinion, but on the other hand… I am opening up here so you know who I deal with,” Sheholli is heard saying.
“Bravo, bravo,” responds the other participant.
“My great friend is Milan Radoiçiq, he is also their friend. What is happening, they are talking about, take it with caution, don’t speak about him like you did until now…” Sheholli continues.
Meanwhile, the Special Prosecution of Kosovo has requested pre-trial detention for Fatmir Sheholli at the Basic Court in Prishtina, on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of espionage.
Sheholli was arrested in Prishtina the day before in a coordinated action by the Police, Prosecution, and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency.
The pre-trial detention hearing for Sheholli is scheduled for 13:00 at the Special Department of the Basic Court in Prishtina and is expected to be closed to the public.
The Special Prosecution of Kosovo reported that after several months of investigation, Sheholli was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of espionage under Article 124, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo (KPRK).
The arrest operation was conducted with assistance from the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, and Sheholli was detained for 48 hours. Searches were carried out at his residence to secure additional material evidence. The prosecution, in coordination with the Kosovo Police, continues to undertake all necessary investigative actions in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code and applicable laws.
