European Parliament Calls Spain to Launch Full-Fledged Probe into Moroccan Espionage with Pegasus Program, Targeting Government Members, Including Pedro Sánchez

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The European Parliament has called on Spain to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Moroccan espionage using the Pegasus program. The investigation is to include members of the Spanish government, including President Pedro Sánchez as reported by Europapress news website.

The European Parliament has cited “clear indications” that suggest Morocco’s involvement in the espionage activities. Furthermore, the European Parliament has also urged Spain to investigate the surveillance of pro-independence leaders during Catalonia’s ‘procés’ (the push for independence).

The European Parliament’s demand for a thorough investigation comes as part of the recommendations attached to a report on the use of spyware in Europe, which was adopted by the Parliament’s commission in May. The report received favorable votes from the Popular Party (PP) and the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), while Ciudadanos abstained and Vox voted against it.

The European Parliament specifically calls for a “complete, fair, and effective investigation” to clarify all alleged instances of espionage involving Pegasus. This includes examining the 47 cases related to the Catalan independence movement and determining whether Spain’s National Intelligence Center (CNI) played a role under court order.

The European Parliament has requested that Spain provide “adequate access” to the details of the 18 cases in which the CNI conducted surveillance with judicial authorization. It also emphasizes the need for cooperation with the courts to ensure that victims of spyware have access to genuine judicial remedies. The Parliament recommends the conclusion of ongoing judicial investigations without delay and suggests the involvement of Europol in the investigations.

Regarding the espionage targeting President Pedro Sánchez’s mobile device, the European Parliament considers it essential to shed light on the surveillance of the president and other government members. It demands that the Spanish authorities provide conclusive findings on these cases, pointing out the “clear indications” of Morocco’s involvement.

While acknowledging that Spain’s regulatory framework aligns with EU treaties, the European Parliament calls for reform of the CNI’s legal framework. This recommendation follows the Spanish government’s announcement last year and comes amidst controversies surrounding the surveillance of Catalan political leaders.

After studying the situation in several member states, including Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Poland, and Hungary, for 14 months, the European Parliament concludes its special commission on cyber espionage involving the NSO program, developed by the Israeli company NSO.

The MEP from the Popular Party, Juan Ignacio Zoido, insists that the Sánchez government must provide explanations regarding the Moroccan espionage, criticizing the lack of transparency. He states, “European citizens still don’t know what was stolen from the Prime Minister’s mobile phone, who did it, and for what reasons. Today, the European Parliament officially demands that he clarify what happened and answer our questions.”

Jordi Cañas from Ciudadanos points out that the recommendations have removed any mention of propaganda from the Catalan separatist movement. He describes the recommendations as a failure for the independence movement and a victory for those who advocate for the use of spy programs against suspected criminals, as was the case in Spain.

Meanwhile, the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) has welcomed the European Parliament’ support for a thorough investigation into cyber espionage against Catalan independence leaders. The party has also called for an investigation involving entities such as Europol. According to MEP Diana Riba, this demonstrates the lack of confidence in Spanish institutions among European bodies.

Translated from: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-eurocamara-exige-espana-investigar-espionaje-marruecos-gobierno-incluyendo-sanchez-20230615140224.html