Moroccan intelligence uses surveillance to ‘silence’ journalists: Amnesty
Summary
Amnesty International reported that Morocco’s intelligence agency used spyware and secret listening devices to illegally watch journalists and human rights defenders. The agency combined advanced tools like Pegasus spyware with traditional spying methods to gather information and silence critics.Key Facts
- Morocco’s domestic intelligence service (DGST) is accused of using spyware, hidden microphones, and infected phones to monitor people.
- Amnesty’s report is based on testimony from a former DGST employee, leaked documents, and investigations.
- Pegasus spyware, made by Israeli company NSO Group, was used from 2017 to 2021 against activists, journalists, and political figures.
- The agency also used traditional spying tactics such as following targets and wiretapping phone calls.
- Some phones were sold already infected with spyware, and microphones were hidden in places like journalist Omar Radi’s apartment.
- Amnesty identified 103 Moroccan phone numbers targeted by Pegasus, including many human rights defenders and journalists.
- Morocco bought spying tools from companies in Israel, the EU, and the U.S., and used the state telecom network to spread spyware.
- Amnesty calls for Morocco to stop these surveillance actions and for countries to stop selling spyware to Morocco until protections are in place.
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