Serbia Faces Largest Spyware Wave Against Students Ahead of October Vote
Serbian authorities are facing allegations of widespread surveillance against student activists and opposition figures using advanced spyware. The Serbian human rights group SHARE Foundation has documented 14 cases this year, the highest number recorded in the country. These incidents coincide with upcoming parliamentary elections, where the student movement is viewed as a primary threat to President Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party.
Key points
- SHARE Foundation has identified 14 spyware cases in Serbia this year, marking the largest documented wave of such surveillance in the country's history.
- Twelve targets received Apple threat notifications in August indicating their iPhones were compromised, while two others were infected with domestically produced software known as NoviSpy.
- Toronto-based Citizen Lab confirmed that one victim was infected with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware via a zero-click exploit in Apple’s iMessage, requiring no user interaction.
- The NoviSpy software, which requires physical installation, was allegedly used on Android devices of individuals detained by police, allowing remote access to microphones and cameras.
- President Vučić’s allies dismissed the claims as nonsense, labeling them a ploy to discredit the upcoming October parliamentary elections.
Background
This surge in surveillance follows a broader global trend of mercenary spyware targeting activists, as highlighted by recent Apple alerts in 110 countries. In Serbia, the student movement gained prominence after a fatal train station collapse in Novi Sad in 2024, leading to mass protests against the government. The current political landscape is tense, with the student movement described as the most influential opposition force, rivaling the ruling Serbian Progressive Party in independent polls.
Why it matters
The use of state-grade spyware against peaceful protesters and opposition members raises serious concerns about democratic integrity and civil liberties in Serbia. If the allegations are substantiated, it suggests a systematic effort to neutralize political rivals ahead of critical elections, potentially undermining the fairness of the democratic process and setting a precedent for authoritarian surveillance tactics in the region.
What to watch
Citizen Lab is currently analyzing the remaining 11 cases to determine the specific tools and methods used. The outcome of the October parliamentary elections will be a key indicator of whether the student movement can translate its influence into legislative power despite the alleged surveillance campaign. International observers may also scrutinize Serbia’s compliance with human rights standards in the lead-up to the vote.
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