Serbian opposition leaders allegedly targeted with Pegasus spyware ahead of election

A joint investigation by Citizen Lab and the Share Foundation concluded that Vladan Djokic, rector of the University of Belgrade, had his iPhone breached with Pegasus spyware developed by Israel's NSO. At the same time, former prosecutor Rade Bajic reported an Apple alert from August 13 indicating his device was targeted by "mercenary spyware," though neither he nor Citizen Lab could verify a successful intrusion. Both individuals have faced pressure from Serbia's ruling party, which is preparing for a parliamentary election on Sunday.

Serbia's Interior Ministry did not respond to inquiries, and NSO, blacklisted by the United States, also remained silent. Apple confirmed it sent a batch of warnings on the same date but did not address the specific cases. The incidents follow earlier reports that at least 14 activists, students and opposition members were surveilled with similar tools ahead of local elections.