The morning in Dubrovnik was quiet. The city has not been awakened yet as the car stopped after a long journey from Tirana to the doors of the First Instance Court where in one of the cells of this court stands for several months pending an extradition order from Serbia, Ismail Morina, or Ballist Morina who flew the drone in Belgrade.
A local woman, around 40, asked us where are we from and after she comes to know that we are Albanians, she surprised us by saying “Inside here Albanians have a hero”. It didn’t take too long before seeing Ballist Morina. He showed up in front of us with his hair cut short, a little beard which reveals the faintness of his face, dressed in a sportswear. Ballist appears to be in a stable mood and cheerful during the conversation.
“I’m fine, my only concern is my family’s condition and our third child my wife is expecting”,
he said.
“I will not go to Serbia, at least not as long as I am breathing. I have sought political asylum, but it has been denied three times since I’ve been detained after crossing the Croatian territory and they fear i will escape. But I do not intend to do so. I consider myself a political prisoner.”
Asked about Serbia’s accusations, as well as the threats that have come from elements of Serbian perpetrators, Morina says the charges of racist insult to Serbs are ridiculous, whereas for death threats they have come to the ear in cells, but only dead may have this pleasure Serbs.
As for the Albanian authorities, Morina says that there was direct interest of the Albanian ambassador in Zagreb, as well as the Honorary Consul.
“I do not want to leave this issue in the mere hand of the Croatian Justice Minister, in spite of the gratitude that I may have for their continued interest. I will fight till the end to at least get political asylum. This will certainly take a while. The appeal I have for Albanians and politics is to continue to support me, “
concludes Ballist Morina, hoping for a quick release. /tvklan.al
