AI-generated deepfakes alleged in Bosnia political campaign against Bećirović
Fourteen Bosnian political parties supporting presidential candidate Denis Bećirović alleged on 14 September 2026 that the SDA party orchestrated a campaign using AI-generated deepfake videos to fabricate false statements attributed to Bećirović, along with forged interviews and articles, intended to mislead voters ahead of elections scheduled for 4 October 2026.
What happened
Fourteen political parties supporting Denis Bećirović as a presidential candidate for Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency alleged on 14 September 2026 that the SDA party orchestrated a negative campaign using artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos.
The parties accused the SDA of using AI-generated video content to fabricate statements attributed to Bećirović that he never made, alongside fabricated interviews, articles, and photo montages circulated through internet portals and digital platforms.
The coalition named Bisera Turković, described as a close associate of SDA leader Bakira Izetbegovič, among those accused of participating in spreading such content.
Reported impact
The parties stated that the false video content and fabricated materials were intended to create a false image of Bećirović's political and diplomatic positions and mislead citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The coalition alleged the campaign aimed to cause confusion and unrest among the public and undermine state institutions and highest state officials, linking it to what they described as hybrid activity involving centres of power outside Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.