Amnesty International Raises Concerns Over Moroccan Surveillance Practices
Amnesty International has once again spotlighted the surveillance practices attributed to Morocco, alleging a sophisticated system of espionage aimed at monitoring and persecuting journalists, activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders. The report, explained by Spain correspondent for Ronda de Corresponsales (RDC) Marcello Molina, outlines a system that purportedly merges advanced technology with traditional intelligence methods, raising serious concerns about civil liberties and freedom of expression in the region.
This revelation comes at a time of heightened tension in Ceuta, where thousands of adults and minors have recently been registered, coinciding with the controversy surrounding the impending visit of King Felipe VI of Spain. In a counter to the report, the Moroccan government has dismissed Amnesty International's findings as false, further complicating the already strained diplomatic relations.
Unveiling the Moroccan Surveillance Machine
The Amnesty International report, titled "Inside Morocco's Surveillance Machine" according to Molina, details a system allegedly designed to track, intimidate, blackmail, and silence various segments of civil society. This oppressive environment is particularly disconcerting for professional and critical journalists, a cornerstone of democratic societies. The report identifies journalists, activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders as primary targets, both within Morocco and abroad. This analysis is purportedly based on forensic computer investigations, leaked records, and the testimony of an undercover agent known by the pseudonym Zafir.
Molina notes that the report claims Moroccan authorities employ a combination of high-tech tools alongside more rudimentary methods, emphasizing that the surveillance tactics range from the use of sophisticated spyware to conventional monitoring techniques.
Among the critical elements mentioned in the report is the deployment of the spyware Pegasus, with indications that it was particularly operational from 2017 to 2021, although the possibility of its continued use remains. Furthermore, it highlights the troubling practice of selling second-hand phones that had previously been infected with spyware, with certain retailers reportedly facilitating surveillance mechanisms.
The report also outlines the installation of hidden microphones and cameras in various spaces, including bedrooms, offices, vehicles, and detention facilities, indicating a pervasive and invasive surveillance state.
In addition to technological espionage, the report describes physical monitoring, telephone tapping, and infiltration of internet cafes to capture individuals who might evade traditional surveillance routes. The use of neighborhood informants to gather intelligence is another alarming tactic mentioned, along with smear campaigns orchestrated through media outlets aligned with the Moroccan regime. According to the testimony attributed to the agent Zafir, there are also serious irregularities in judicial procedures, with claims that judicial authorizations are often drafted retroactively.
The implications of these surveillance practices extend beyond Morocco's borders, as the report suggests that some surveillance targets reside abroad. Molina references Spanish officials who may have been impacted by device infections, as well as French officials included in similar allegations. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that Morocco appears to have adopted "techno-authoritarian" policies to create an atmosphere of widespread intimidation.
In stark contrast, the Moroccan government has outright rejected the allegations made in the report, asserting that its content is fabricated. This divergence between Amnesty International's claims and the Moroccan government's denial presents two conflicting narratives regarding the extent and existence of the alleged surveillance practices.
As the diplomatic conflict escalates alongside accusations of espionage, the situation in Ceuta raises further questions. New data indicates that approximately 6,600 adults and 2,200 minors have been registered, accounting for over 10% of Ceuta's population. This figure does not include individuals still present on the beach, where Molina reports that thousands remain, complicating efforts to ascertain an accurate count.
Amid this turmoil, the upcoming visit of King Felipe VI to Ceuta and Melilla adds another layer of tension. Molina notes that the Spanish Royal Household has indicated that this time, there will be no advance notification to King Mohamed VI of Morocco regarding the visit. This change in protocol has elicited reactions from Moroccan media, with some outlets labeling the visit a provocation and questioning the appropriateness of the Spanish monarch traveling to what they regard as Moroccan territory. The visit is scheduled for October 13 and 14, just after Spain's National Day.
As reported by perfil.com.
