Citizen Lab Confirms Pegasus Infection on Serbian Rector's iPhone Ahead of Election
Citizen Lab said on October 19 that the iPhone of Vladan Đokić, rector of the University of Belgrade and a supporter of Serbia's student protest movement, was infected with NSO Group's Pegasus spyware in 2026. The finding came six days before Serbia's October 25 snap parliamentary election. The infection used a zero-click exploit, so Đokić did not need to tap a link or take any action.
Citizen Lab reported on Oct. 19 that Vladan Đokić’s iPhone had been infected with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in 2026. Đokić is rector of the University of Belgrade and a supporter of Serbia’s student protest movement.
The finding emerged six days before Serbia’s Oct. 25 snap parliamentary election. The infection used a zero-click exploit, so no link tap or other action by Đokić was required.
The disclosure could heighten scrutiny of spyware use around a national election and may affect how journalists, activists, and public figures assess their communications security. Because the reported target was a university leader linked to student protests, the case may amplify concerns among civil-society groups and voters about surveillance during political contests. It could also increase pressure on institutions to explain safeguards and remedies, though the immediate effects on the election outcome remain uncertain.