Deepfake Videos of Slovenian Politicians Shared Online
Deepfake videos depicting Slovenian politicians Asta Vrečko and Luka Mesec performing obscene gestures were shared online by web influencer Aleksandar Repić on 23 March 2026, using AI-based video manipulation. The politicians and their party Levica confirmed the videos were fabricated, and Vrečko stated she was considering criminal prosecution.
What happened
Aleksandar Repić, described as a web influencer with a history of involvement in online attacks, filmed events at a media center in the Slovenian parliament on 23 March 2026 using accreditation as a journalist. He then shared videos and photographs on social media that had been manipulated using artificial intelligence, depicting Asta Vrečko and Luka Mesec making obscene gestures.
Vrečko confirmed the videos were deepfakes, noting the events occurred in a room full of people and that neither she nor Mesec performed the actions shown. She described the posts as part of a campaign based on 'low blows, discreditations and false news'. Levica confirmed the videos were not authentic.
Reported impact
Vrečko expressed alarm at the misuse of journalist accreditation in the parliamentary media center to spread manipulated content. She stated the incident was a continuation of attacks on Levica following the election.
The Slovenian Journalists Association condemned the practice of using accreditation to abuse photographs from the media center for spreading false content, and highlighted responsibility of the State Assembly.
Index analysis
The videos were created using artificial intelligence to fabricate false actions by named political figures. The deepfakes were distributed on social media platforms during the election period.
Governance controls
Vrečko stated she was considering criminal prosecution in response to the fabricated videos. The Slovenian Journalists Association condemned the misuse of journalist accreditation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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