The University of Belgrade has demanded an investigation into alleged secret surveillance of a senior university official by Serbia’s intelligence agency. The case has raised fresh concerns about academic freedom, privacy and the possible misuse of state security powers.
In a statement issued on November 5, Rector Vladan Đokić expressed concern over reports that his chief of staff had been monitored for almost a year under measures ordered by Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA).
The university wants prosecutors and oversight institutions to determine whether the surveillance was lawful and whether other members of the academic community were affected.
University Questions Possible Misuse of Intelligence Powers
The Belgrade University surveillance controversy centers on Danilo Potporić, the rector’s chief of staff.
According to Serbian broadcaster N1, investigative weekly Radar obtained court documents concerning surveillance measures directed at several individuals, including students, political figures and university personnel.
The university warned that intelligence resources may have been used to monitor people because of their public activities, political opinions or criticism of the authorities.
Đokić called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, including whether security measures had been used against political opponents.
He also questioned whether other students, professors or university employees had been monitored.
The rector stressed that academic freedom, freedom of expression and the safety of university staff and students must remain protected.
The university has called on state institutions to establish individual and institutional responsibility if wrongdoing is confirmed.
However, the available reports do not establish that the surveillance was politically motivated or unlawful.
Spyware Findings Add to Concerns Over Academic Freedom
The latest allegations follow earlier findings involving the rector himself.
In October, researchers from Citizen Lab and Serbia’s SHARE Foundation reported that Đokić’s phone had been infected with Pegasus spyware during 2026.
The findings were reported by Reuters and the Associated Press.
Pegasus, developed by Israeli company NSO Group, can allow operators to access information stored on a compromised smartphone.
Researchers confirmed the infection but did not publicly identify who operated the spyware against the rector.
Đokić has supported student-led protests that began after the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people.
The demonstrations developed into a broader movement demanding accountability and action against alleged corruption.
The surveillance allegations have intensified concerns about the relationship between Serbia’s security institutions and the academic community.
Serbian authorities have previously denied responsibility for spyware attacks against activists and government critics.
The University of Belgrade is now seeking answers about the reported monitoring of Potporić and whether surveillance measures extended to other university members.
The outcome will depend on the findings of the competent investigative and oversight authorities.
