Amnesty International Reports on Digital Surveillance Targeting Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders

In a shocking revelation from London on October 2, 2026, Amnesty International has brought to light the alarming extent of digital surveillance orchestrated by Moroccan authorities. This surveillance extends far beyond just Sahrawi human rights defenders, infiltrating the lives of individuals connected to these defenders, including their family members and legal representatives. The implications of this invasive monitoring raise significant concerns about human rights and privacy in Morocco.

The human rights organization specifically highlighted the plight of Naâma Asfari, a Sahrawi civil prisoner who remains incarcerated in Morocco. His case has been notably marred by allegations of torture, which have been brought before various United Nations mechanisms. Currently, Asfari is engaged in an open-ended hunger strike alongside his fellow prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group, as they collectively demand their rights and better treatment within the prison system.

Amnesty International's recent report, released on September 29, sheds further light on the troubling targeting of Asfari’s partner, Claude Mangin. While in France, Mangin was subjected to surveillance through Pegasus spyware, a sophisticated tool often associated with state-sponsored surveillance. Earlier forensic investigations carried out by Amnesty confirmed that her phone had indeed been compromised, with the findings being presented as part of a broader case against the NSO Group, which is implicated in the misuse of such spyware within Morocco.

This targeted surveillance is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, systemic pattern affecting the families, lawyers, and professional networks of those facing scrutiny from Moroccan authorities. Amnesty International has expressed grave concerns regarding the implications of this surveillance, particularly when it involves individuals with legal or human rights roles. The interception of their communications poses a significant risk, as it could uncover sensitive information pertaining to ongoing cases, victims, and witnesses, thereby undermining the very foundations of justice and human rights in the region.

As reported by spsrasd.info.