Two Serbian Opposition Figures Were Hit With Spyware Ahead of Oct. 25 Vote
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Oct 22
Two Serbian Opposition Figures Were Hit With Spyware Ahead of Oct. 25 Vote
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 22
Summary
Citizen Lab said two Serbian opposition figures were recently targeted with powerful cyberespionage tools, adding to allegations of surveillance against critics days before Serbia’s Oct. 25 election.
SHARE Foundation said at least 14 people have been targeted with advanced spyware, while activist Jelena Kontic said Apple warned her in March and later forensic tests confirmed Pegasus on her phone.
The alleged hacking comes as activists, students and journalists describe broader intimidation — including threats, detentions and beatings — while President Aleksandar Vucic seeks to extend his 12-year grip on power as prime minister.
Serbia’s democratic record has also worsened: Reporters Without Borders ranked it 104th of 180 countries in 2026, and Transparency International gave it its lowest corruption score in two decades.