Serbia Faces Rising Allegations of Violence and Surveillance Ahead of Elections
Serbia is preparing for its October 25 election amid growing allegations of violence, intimidation and digital surveillance targeting government critics. Activists, student protesters and opposition politicians have accused supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of contributing to an environment of repression. The government and party have denied allegations of corruption and political repression.
The student-led protest movement, which gained momentum after a railway station canopy collapse killed 16 people in Novi Sad in 2024, is fielding 250 candidates in the election. Meanwhile, Serbia’s press freedom ranking has fallen to 104th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Journalists and media watchdogs have also reported increasing verbal attacks, threats and physical assaults against reporters covering political developments.
Concerns have also emerged over alleged cyberespionage, with the SHARE Foundation reporting that 14 people were targeted with advanced spyware. Some activists say forensic investigations confirmed infections involving Pegasus spyware, although Reuters could not establish who was responsible. Separately, protesters have accused police of using excessive force during demonstrations, including a 2025 incident in Valjevo in which a video verified by Reuters showed a protester being beaten. The allegations have intensified scrutiny of political freedoms and public safety as Serbia approaches the vote.
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