Condemnation of Moroccan Surveillance Tactics

In a significant development, the "Association of Friendship Committees with the Sahrawi People in Central and Eastern Europe" has publicly condemned Morocco's extensive digital surveillance system aimed at Sahrawi activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. This condemnation highlights the systematic use of surveillance not merely for data collection but as a tool to fabricate charges, execute arrests, and orchestrate smear campaigns through pro-Moroccan media outlets. The intent is clearly to silence voices advocating for the self-determination and freedom of the Sahrawi people, as reported by the Sahrawi News Agency.

The association stresses that the surveillance tactics employed by Moroccan authorities are designed to undermine peaceful activities and criminalize non-violent expressions in Western Sahara. In an urgent call to action, the organization has demanded the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoners and urged for an independent investigation into the abuses perpetrated by Moroccan intelligence agencies. Furthermore, they are advocating for a global ban on the sale and transfer of surveillance technologies to Morocco until there are solid guarantees ensuring respect for human rights.

Escalating Concerns Over Human Rights Violations

This statement comes in the wake of international reports detailing the Moroccan government's use of advanced surveillance systems to target and track journalists and human rights defenders in Western Sahara. The surveillance methodology combines digital technologies with field monitoring, enabling authorities to track movements, intercept communications, and capture images and conversations in private settings. Notably, the Israeli-made "Pegasus" spyware has been identified as a significant tool in the arsenal of the Moroccan Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance since 2017, alongside the Moroccan telecommunications company, which has facilitated the infiltration of targeted individuals' devices and the use of listening devices to monitor their activities.

In light of these developments, the association has expressed its firm denunciation of Moroccan occupying authorities and reaffirmed that such oppressive policies will not deter the Sahrawi people's legitimate struggle for their rights to freedom and independence.

As reported by aps.dz.