The Unwelcome Student: A Glimpse into Surveillance and Suppression in Serbia
On December 25, the Sava Center in Belgrade was a hive of activity, filled with students and supporters waving SNS flags as President Aleksandar Vučić delivered a speech. However, amidst the thunderous applause and the festive atmosphere, one student found himself in a precarious situation that would reveal the darker side of state surveillance and repression.
A Curious Activist
Vedran, a 23-year-old student and activist from Union University, attended the event out of sheer curiosity. Accompanied by a friend, he entered the Sava Center, eager to engage with fellow attendees. As he settled into a nearby row, he struck up conversations with those around him, including a couple from Aleksinac who revealed they had been paid to attend the rally. This casual interaction, however, would soon take a sinister turn.
The Sudden Confrontation
After about fifteen minutes, Vedran excused himself to fetch drinks for himself and his friend. Little did he know that his moment of distraction would lead to a harrowing experience. Upon his return, he was confronted by a group of men in civilian clothes who surrounded him. They demanded to know his identity and purpose for being there, escalating the situation rapidly.
"I was taken to the Savski Venac police station, where I spent the next six hours locked up in a room with four inspectors," Vedran recounted. His phone, a crucial part of his personal life and activism, was confiscated upon his arrival at the station.
Invasive Surveillance Tactics
Inside the police station, Vedran’s phone was subjected to invasive scrutiny. The device was taken to a separate room where operatives used advanced digital forensics equipment from Israel, known as Cellebrite, to extract data from his phone. This operation was conducted without any legal justification, raising serious concerns about the legality of such surveillance practices.
Experts from Amnesty International later analyzed Vedran’s phone and confirmed that not only had his data been extracted, but attempts were also made to install tracking software on his device. This method of forcibly accessing personal information has been documented in previous cases involving the Serbian security services, particularly against activists.
The Experience of Detention
Vedran’s experience in detention was marked by intimidation and coercion. The operatives pressured him to surrender his phone, but he stood firm, refusing to comply with their demands. "They kept asking me who I was and who sent me," he recalled. Despite his insistence on knowing their identities and the reasons for his detention, the men remained unyielding.
His youth and the vuvuzela he had brought with him from a protest earlier that day may have drawn unwanted attention. "I believe they singled me out because I seemed younger compared to the other participants," Vedran speculated. The situation escalated further when he was forcibly taken to a vehicle, an experience that left him feeling vulnerable and terrified.
The Fear of the Unknown
The ride in the unmarked vehicle was perhaps the most distressing part of Vedran’s ordeal. "I didn’t know where they were taking me, whose car I was getting into, what was happening… But I had no choice," he said. The fear of the unknown loomed large, and in that moment, he felt as though he was saying goodbye to life.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness
Vedran’s experience sheds light on the troubling reality of state surveillance and the suppression of dissent in Serbia. The use of advanced technology to infringe upon the privacy of individuals, particularly activists, raises critical questions about civil liberties and human rights in the country. As the international community continues to advocate for transparency and accountability, stories like Vedran’s serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and the protection of personal privacy.
For a deeper understanding of this incident and its implications, you can read the full article on the BIRN website.