Two Serbian opposition representatives targeted by powerful cyberespionage tools ahead of the elections

Two Serbian opposition representatives were recently targeted by powerful cyberespionage tools, according to a report published Monday by Citizen Lab and statements made to Reuters. The disclosure comes days before Sunday’s parliamentary elections, amid student-led anti-corruption protests and tensions between the opposition and the ruling party.

Citizen Lab, in collaboration with the Share Foundation, determined that the phone of Vladan Djokic, rector of the University of Belgrade, had been compromised with Pegasus, software developed by the Israeli company NSO. Djokic faced pressure from the authorities after expressing support for the student protests.

Former prosecutor Rade Bajic said Apple warned him on August 13 that his phone had been targeted by “mercenary spyware.” However, he and Citizen Lab could not confirm whether the device had been compromised or how the attack may have occurred.

Bajic said he believed he had been targeted because of a case involving government officials. The Interior Ministry did not comment on the allegations, and NSO did not respond to requests for comment. Last month, the Share Foundation announced that at least 14 students, activists, and opposition members had been targeted by spyware.