On April 30, 2025, the Prishtina Court upheld the indictment against Bedri Shabani and Muharrem Qerimi, accused of espionage.
Both defendants, through their lawyers, challenged the indictment and evidence presented by the Prosecutor’s Office, but Judge Rrahman Beqiri rejected their requests as unfounded.
- Shabani’s lawyer, Besnik Berisha, contested the legality of investigative measures by the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI) and the wiretap evidence, stating there is no proof the devices belonged to his client.
- Qerimi’s lawyer, Betim Shala, argued that Qerimi’s travel to Serbia was for medical check-ups, not for exchanging information.
The court allowed the possibility for the defense to appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals.
The Special Prosecutor’s indictment accuses Shabani and Qerimi of providing information to the Serbian Intelligence Service (BIA) about the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI), Kosovo Police, and wartime massacres.
- Both defendants allegedly held physical meetings with senior BIA officials and former Serbian police commanders.
- Qerimi is also charged with illegal possession of weapons after a revolver and ammunition were found during a police search.
Both defendants have denied guilt for espionage, while Qerimi has admitted to illegal weapons possession only.
