Serbian police have searched the home of Andrej Premović, a university student from Raška, over suspicions that he unlawfully accessed a protected computer system and published personal information about individuals allegedly operating online accounts in support of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Officers from the Criminal Police Directorate carried out the hours-long search under an order from the Higher Court in Belgrade. Police seized Premović’s computers and other electronic devices, but did not arrest him.
Their departure was met with whistles and protests from residents of Raška, who condemned the operation and described it as harassment of one of Serbia’s top students.
Student Denies Involvement
Premović’s parents previously told the Serbian outlet Razglas that police arrived at their home at around 4 a.m. They said officers informed them that their son was suspected of creating a website that published information about people allegedly acting as SNS online supporters, commonly referred to as “bots.”
According to his parents, officers did not show them a search warrant at the time.
Premović, a student at the Faculty of Computing in Belgrade, has denied being behind the website that exposed the identities of alleged SNS online operatives. He also claimed the search was intended to intimidate and discredit him.
Speaking to Razglas, Premović said officers specializing in high-tech crime woke the family at around 6 a.m., saying they wanted to talk.
The allegations against him concern the suspected criminal offence of unauthorized access to a protected computer, computer network or electronic data-processing system. The investigation’s outcome and any potential charges have not been reported.
Academic Achievements Draw Attention
Premović was named the top student of his graduating class at the Raška Grammar School last year. He has also received recognition from the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts for his academic achievements.
The police operation has triggered criticism among residents who questioned the handling of the case and expressed support for the student.
The allegations remain under investigation, and Premović denies involvement in the website’s creation.
