Amnesty International Reveals Morocco's Surveillance Tactics Against Journalists
A recent report released by Amnesty International has shed light on a sophisticated surveillance system allegedly employed by Moroccan authorities to monitor journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. The findings are based on testimony from a former security agent, along with digital evidence, leaked documents, and data linked to targeted hacking operations. This comprehensive investigation highlights alarming practices surrounding privacy violations in Morocco.
Multi-Faceted Surveillance Techniques
According to the report, the surveillance operations do not rely on a single program but utilize a combination of digital technologies and field monitoring techniques. These methods enable the authorities to track individuals' movements, intercept communications, capture images, and record conversations in private settings. Additionally, the surveillance extends to gathering information about individuals associated with the primary targets.
Amnesty International's findings heavily rely on the account of an anonymous source, referred to as "the Ambassador," who previously worked with the General Directorate for National Territorial Surveillance. Over the years, this source has provided detailed descriptions of the security apparatus's operational methods, including the hacking of phones and computers, the use of listening devices, and tracking locations.
One particularly concerning revelation from the source is that some mobile phones were pre-installed with spyware before being presented to targeted individuals as new devices. This operation was reportedly coordinated with certain vendors of used phones. Furthermore, the report indicates that monitoring can occur even at airports or through the infiltration of devices located in cafes equipped with internet access.
The scope of surveillance is not limited to electronic devices. The source detailed instances of individuals being secretly filmed and recorded within offices, vehicles, homes, and cafes. Small listening devices have been planted in private locations, and informants from the circles surrounding the targets have been recruited to collect information about their movements and relationships.
Amnesty International points to the "Pegasus" spyware as one of the primary tools used in these operations, indicating that the General Directorate for National Territorial Surveillance began utilizing it in 2017. The organization has linked 103 phone numbers to specific individuals, identifying 65 of them, including 34 known human rights defenders.
As reported by mc-doualiya.com.
