Moroccan Intelligence Insider Reveals Widespread Use of Pegasus Hacking Software

The latest revelations about the use of Pegasus spyware by Moroccan intelligence services are consistent with the country’s long-standing human rights record. For years, reports have surfaced of journalists and activists being targeted by this powerful surveillance tool. However, it wasn’t until a former intelligence agent came forward that the full extent of Morocco’s activities became clear.

The Pegasus project, a collaborative investigation involving 14 media outlets and Amnesty International’s Security Lab, has shed light on the sophisticated network of spyware used to monitor dissidents, journalists, and politicians in Morocco. According to testimony from Safir, a former member of Morocco’s domestic intelligence service, the country began using Pegasus in 2017, initially targeting high-value targets but eventually expanding its reach to include ordinary citizens.

The involvement of other countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, is also noteworthy. The UAE has been accused of providing Pegasus to friendly services, including Morocco, raising questions about their responsibility in facilitating human rights abuses.

The use of Pegasus is not just a matter of national security; it’s also a tool of oppression used to silence critics and maintain power. In the case of Morocco, the spyware has been used to target journalists, activists, and even politicians who have spoken out against the government. The targeting of Aminatou Haidar, a prominent human rights activist from Western Sahara, is particularly disturbing.

The Spanish government’s revelation that the phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defense Minister Margarita Robles were infected with Pegasus in 2021 adds another layer to this story. The timing of these attacks suggests a deliberate attempt to compromise national security and undermine the government’s ability to function effectively.

Morocco must be held accountable for its actions, as should other countries involved in the proliferation of such tools. The international community has a critical role to play in addressing this issue, particularly the United Nations, which should consider establishing stricter guidelines on the use of spyware and holding governments accountable for any human rights violations committed through its use.

The European Union, which has been vocal about Morocco’s human rights record, must also take concrete steps to address this issue. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that those responsible for these abuses are brought to justice.

The Pegasus scandal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked surveillance powers in the hands of authoritarian regimes. The question now is what will be done next: will Morocco’s leaders take concrete steps to address the human rights concerns raised by this scandal, or will they continue to deny any wrongdoing and try to sweep the issue under the rug?