Revelations of Targeted Surveillance in Morocco

On October 3, 2026, Amnesty International released a compelling report highlighting the alarming use of Pegasus spyware by Moroccan authorities to specifically target human rights defenders, activists, and journalists, particularly those associated with the contentious Western Sahara issue. This report sheds light on the troubling implications of such surveillance tactics, revealing a systemic approach to monitoring and intimidating individuals who advocate for human rights and social justice.

The findings indicate that between 2017 and 2021, and potentially beyond, Moroccan civil society has been under siege from various forms of digital attacks utilizing Pegasus. These attacks range from sophisticated zero-click methods—where users unknowingly become victims without any interaction—to more traditional approaches employing telecommunications networks. Such tactics not only compromise individual privacy but also threaten the very fabric of civil society in Morocco.

Impact on Human Rights Activists and Journalists

Among the notable cases documented in the report is that of Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar, whose phone has been targeted since September 2018, with further breaches recorded in October and November 2021. This case underscores the direct threats faced by individuals advocating for the rights of the Sahrawi people. Furthermore, the report highlights the plight of Claude Mangin, spouse of Sahrawi civil prisoner Naâma Asfari, whose phone has also been compromised by the same spyware. Amnesty International has pointed out that these patterns of surveillance extend beyond Morocco’s borders, affecting human rights defenders and journalists residing in Europe as well.

Amnesty International's report positions Pegasus not merely as a tool for targeted surveillance but as a component of a wider surveillance apparatus employed by the Moroccan authorities. This system encompasses a range of intrusive measures, including interception of communications, location tracking, unauthorized device access, and the use of cameras and recording devices for surveillance purposes. The implications of these findings are profound, raising urgent questions about privacy rights, freedom of expression, and the safety of those championing human rights in Morocco and beyond.

As reported by spsrasd.info.