Belgrade University Rector Djokic, Prosecutor Bajic Targeted with Spyware

Rector Vladan Djokic (BETAPHOTO/MILAN ILIC)

Citizen Lab, in cooperation with the SHARE Foundation, confirmed two new targeting cases involving sophisticated spyware used against Belgrade Rector Vladan Djokic and Rade Bajic, a higher prosecutorial associate at the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime.

A forensic analysis confirmed that Djokic's phone was infected with Pegasus spyware developed by Israel's NSO Group in 2026 in a "zero-click" attack.

Rade Bajic,  who worked on the General Staff case, received an official notification from Apple in August indicating with a high degree of confidence that he had been targeted by "mercenary spyware."

University of Belgrade Rector Vladan Djokic described the incident as a serious attack on his privacy, security and the integrity of his position as rector, calling on the relevant authorities to conduct an independent, thorough and transparent investigation.

"The Pegasus spyware on my phone is yet another attempt at intimidation aimed at suppressing critical views and public engagement," Djokic said in a statement, adding that any attempt to intimidate or surveil university representatives "constitutes an attack on the entire academic community and democratic society."

The new cases of spyware used against representatives of the university and the prosecution service raise serious questions about the extent of digital surveillance and the protection of institutional independence in Serbia, the SHARE Foundation cautioned, adding that the trends were particularly concerning ahead of the Oct. 25 parliamentary elections.

SHARE recalled that on Sept. 2 it had reported that at least 14 people in Serbia had been targeted with various types of sophisticated spyware in early 2026. The targets included students, activists, a member of parliament and a local opposition councilor.