A former intelligence official revealed that Morocco utilized Pegasus spyware to target journalists and politicians from 2017 to 2021. This raises concerns about surveillance practices and human rights violations in the country.
A former member of Morocco's intelligence service, known by the pseudonym Safir, has disclosed extensive use of Pegasus spyware by the Moroccan government. This revelation sheds light on the country's covert surveillance operations targeting journalists, human rights activists, and foreign politicians.
The whistleblower's information forms the basis of a comprehensive investigation led by Moroccan journalist Hicham Mansouri, indicating that Morocco's Direction Générale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DGST) began employing Pegasus in 2017.
Pegasus, developed by Israel's NSO Group, possesses capabilities that allow operators full access to a target's mobile phone. This includes the ability to read texts, inspect emails, and activate cameras and microphones remotely.
While NSO Group markets Pegasus to governments for crime and terrorism tracking, it has faced allegations of misuse against political dissidents globally.
The investigation into Morocco's surveillance efforts has been a joint endeavor involving 14 media organizations, with support from Amnesty International's Security Lab. This group analyzed numerous pieces of evidence, including leaked emails and training material, to corroborate accusations against Moroccan intelligence.
Additionally, two other former intelligence agents provided supporting evidence, lending further credibility to Safir's allegations.
These revelations about Morocco's surveillance practices raise serious questions regarding human rights and the protection of privacy for journalists and political activists. Such targeted actions may inhibit free expression and instill fear among dissenters.
The report could prompt international scrutiny and calls for accountability regarding the use of such surveillance technologies in democratic societies.
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A former intelligence official revealed that Morocco utilized Pegasus spyware to target journalists and politicians from 2017 to 2021. This raises concerns about surveillance practices and human rights violations in the country.