Serbia spyware allegations: Students and opposition targeted by advanced software

spyware allegations Pegasus student protests political surveillance Serbia elections

Activists and students in Serbia have alleged that at least 14 individuals, including opposition members and protesters, have been targeted by advanced spyware, such as Pegasus, since the beginning of 2026. These allegations coincide with recent local elections.

President Aleksandar Vučić has denied the claims, describing them as baseless and lacking evidence. He further asserted that he himself was monitored during his time as an opposition leader but did not contest it through official channels. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court President, Vladan Petrov, drew criticism for suggesting that those with nothing to hide should not worry about surveillance.

The European Commission has stated that if such illegal surveillance of citizens and political opponents is confirmed, it would be unacceptable. In response to the broader political climate, the Academic Plenum in Vojvodina has issued a declaration expressing full support for the Student List, calling for the protection of university autonomy and the defense of democratic institutions against political and media pressure.

Entities

Academic Plenum · Aleksandar Vučić · Citizen Lab · European Commission · European Union · NSO Group · Pegasus · Radomir Lazović · SHARE Foundation · Security Intelligence Agency · Serbia · Vladimir Petrov

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Forensic analysis confirmed two additional infections using a new version of NoviSpy. europeanwesternbalkans.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The surveillance allegedly coincided with the local elections held on March 29, 2026. europeanwesternbalkans.com · savremenapolitika.com · sapo.pt · www.sjevercg.me
[● 5 SOURCES] At least 14 people in Serbia have been targeted with advanced spyware since the beginning of 2026. europeanwesternbalkans.com · savremenapolitika.com · sapo.pt · n1info.rs · www.sjevercg.me
[● 2 SOURCES] Constitutional Court President Vladan Petrov remarked, 'if you have nothing to hide, why worry' regarding the surveillance. www.sjevercg.me
[● 4 SOURCES] Citizen Lab confirmed that at least one phone was infected by Pegasus spyware. fr.news.yahoo.com · www.rfi.fr · savremenapolitika.com · sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The European Commission stated that illegal surveillance of citizens and political opponents would be unacceptable if confirmed. savremenapolitika.com · europeanwesternbalkans.com
[● 4 SOURCES] President Aleksandar Vučić denied the allegations, calling them 'stupid and senseless' and lacking evidence. savremenapolitika.com · n1info.rs · www.sd.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] MP Radomir Lazović stated he was subject to wiretapping during local elections and contacts with EU officials. savremenapolitika.com · europeanwesternbalkans.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Academic Plenum in Vojvodina issued a declaration supporting students and the Student List. www.danas.rs · nova.rs · vreme.com