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Photo with Kurti after arrest for espionage, who is Fehim Sali and what do Kosovo authorities suspect?

2026-08-15 13:43:18Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Albin Kurti with Fehim Sali

A photo of Fehim Sali with Kosovo's acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has become a topic of debate in Kosovo following his arrest on suspicion of collaborating with the Serbian Intelligence Service (BIA). The photo was taken during a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, where Kurti was hosting representatives of non-majority community organizations, including Sali.

The publication of the photo sparked reactions in Kosovo, while Government Spokesperson Arlind Manxhuka explained that Kurti, during his mandates, has held dozens of meetings with registered organizations representing non-majority communities.

"We do not act as a detective for anyone, nor do we grant amnesty to anyone. On the contrary, security institutions, such as the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), are uncovering more and more cases of suspected espionage, and for this they deserve congratulations," declared Manjhuka.

But who is the man that Kosovo authorities suspect of collaborating with the BIA?

From teacher to representative of the Gorani community

Fehim Sali is from the village of Kërstec in Dragash and has been known for years as an active figure in the Gorani community in Kosovo.

He worked as a teacher at the Serbian primary school "9 Maji" in Rapca. According to Kosovo media, his appointment to this position was made with the support of former Serbian Minister of Education, Branko Ru?i?.

After the war in Kosovo, Sali became involved in civil society organizations representing the Gorani community. In 2020, he founded the organization "Udruzhenje gragjana Gora/Zelena" in Kosovo, while in April 2024, the organization "Moja Gora" was also registered in Serbia.

Photo with Kurti after arrest for espionage, who is Fehim Sali and what do
Photo of the meeting published by Gazeta Express

From 2022 to 2024, he was a member of the Consultative Council for Communities under the Office of the President of Kosovo, a mechanism that represents non-majority communities in relations with institutions. He was dismissed from this position in May 2024.

Suspicions about links to the BIA

Fehim Sali was arrested on August 13 at the Merdara border crossing, and the Basic Court in Pristina has ordered him to be detained for one month.

According to the Kosovo Special Prosecution Office, he is suspected of having continuously provided information and assistance to the Serbian Intelligence Service (BIA) for an indefinite period, until the day of his arrest, with the aim of material gain.

According to the investigation file, he is suspected of having conveyed information about the political situation in Kosovo, photographed and identified officials of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), and provided data on persons who, according to the Prosecution, belong to the Wahhabi sect, a conservative movement within Sunni Islam, which preaches a strict interpretation of religion and a return to the practices of the first Muslims.

According to the Prosecution, Sali also proposed people who could be contacted or recruited by the Serbian intelligence service.

Kosovo media, citing investigations, report that Sali is suspected of having also served as an intermediary for providing Kosovo citizens with Serbian documents. According to these reports, he would carry out this activity with the help of a BIA official, with whom he is suspected of having held meetings in Belgrade and continuous communications.

The focus of the investigation is also his contacts with political structures in Serbia and his activity in the Gorani community.

According to KosovaPress, he is suspected of influencing voters from the Gorani community in favor of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), receiving financial means for this activity. According to the same source, the "Moja Gora" organization is suspected of being used as a cover for activities aimed at orienting the vote of this community in the elections in Serbia.

In early 2023, Sali participated in activities organized by the SPS, where he also held meetings with the party leader, Ivica Da?i?, as well as with MP Igor Braunovi?.

The investigation into Fehim Sali continues, while the Kosovo authorities consider him a suspect for the criminal offense of espionage. Until a final court decision, he is presumed innocent.


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