Serbian Authorities Hacking Activists' Phones with Spyware: Amnesty International Report

Serbia's Surveillance Controversy: Activists and Journalists Under Fire

Recent reports from Amnesty International reveal alarming tactics used by Serbian authorities to monitor and control activists and journalists. The state is allegedly deploying sophisticated mobile device hacking tools, primarily sourced from Israeli tech company Cellebrite, to unlawfully invade privacy and install spyware, raising significant human rights concerns.

The Role of Cellebrite

Cellebrite is known for providing digital forensics tools used by law enforcement agencies worldwide. However, Amnesty International's findings suggest that these tools are being misused in Serbia, allowing authorities to unlock devices and install surveillance software without proper legal oversight.

Calls for Change

Amnesty International has urgently called upon the Serbian government to terminate these invasive surveillance practices. The organization emphasizes the need for:

• A prohibition on highly invasive spyware usage.
• Effective remedies for victims of unlawful targeted surveillance.
• Accountability for those responsible for these violations.

Specific Cases of Surveillance

Several accounts have emerged highlighting how Serbian police have manipulated the legal system to detain civil society members. During detention, authorities reportedly conducted unnecessary procedures, resulting in prolonged access to personal devices. During this period, they allegedly installed the “Novispy” spyware program, purportedly state-developed.

A Case Study: Slaviša Milanov

One illustrative case involves Slaviša Milanov, deputy editor of the Serbian news outlet FAR. Along with his editor-in-chief, he was detained by Serbian authorities, leading to the confiscation and subsequent return of their phones. Upon retrieving their devices, discrepancies like disabled data settings and excessive battery usage raised suspicions of tampering.

Specific Allegations

Milanov noted that, after getting his Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S back, it seemed to be running unauthorized software. A disturbing revelation surfaced — authorities had extracted 1.6GB of personal data without his consent or password.

Response from Cellebrite

In light of these allegations, Victor Cooper, senior director at Cellebrite, stated that their products are "licensed strictly for lawful use," requiring a warrant for legal investigations. He affirmed that the company is scrutinizing the allegations of misuse and is prepared to apply sanctions where necessary.

Conclusion

The ongoing situation in Serbia highlights the urgent need for more transparent legal practices and stronger protections for civil liberties. As surveillance tactics grow more sophisticated, both governmental accountability and ethical responsibilities of tech companies like Cellebrite come under intense scrutiny.

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