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Moroccan whistleblower reveals how Rabat used Israel's Pegasus spyware for surveillance

A Moroccan intelligence insider has revealed details about his government’s use of hacking software, including Israeli-manufactured Pegasus spyware, to track journalists, human right defenders and foreign officials.

By MEE staff·Jul 17·middleeasteye.net·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Moroccan whistleblower reveals how Rabat used Israel's Pegasus spyware for surveillance
Image: middleeasteye.net

A whistleblower has come forward with testimony about Morocco's use of Pegasus spyware to track dissidents and foreign officials. The investigation found that the DGST used Pegasus against Moroccan journalists and human rights defenders, as well as Spanish officials and journalists.

Why it matters

This story matters because it reveals the extent of Morocco's surveillance activities and the use of Pegasus spyware to track critics and foreign officials.

Imagine you're a journalist or a human rights defender in Morocco, and you're being tracked by the government using special software that can hack into your phone. This is what's happening to many people in Morocco, thanks to a type of spyware called Pegasus. The government is using this software to gather information on its critics and foreign officials, which is a big concern for human rights.

Analysis

A $60B Vote of Confidence

Morocco's use of Pegasus spyware is a significant development in the country's surveillance activities. The whistleblower's testimony and leaked records show that the DGST used Pegasus to track journalists, human rights defenders, and foreign officials, including Spanish officials and journalists. This raises concerns about the extent of Morocco's surveillance activities and the potential impact on human rights.

Why Cursor?

The investigation found that the DGST used Pegasus as a last option, after exhausting cheaper surveillance techniques. This suggests that the DGST was willing to go to great lengths to gather information on its critics and foreign officials. The use of Pegasus also raises questions about the role of the UAE in providing surveillance technology to Morocco.

The Road Ahead

The investigation's findings have significant implications for human rights and the use of surveillance technology. The use of Pegasus spyware has been linked to human rights abuses and the targeting of critics and foreign officials. The Moroccan government's use of Pegasus raises concerns about the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The investigation's findings also highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology.

Key points

  • A Moroccan intelligence insider has revealed details about his government’s use of hacking software, including Israeli-manufactured Pegasus spyware, to track journalists, human right defenders and foreign officials.
  • The investigation found that the DGST used Pegasus against Moroccan journalists and human rights defenders, as well as Spanish officials and journalists.
  • The use of Pegasus spyware has been linked to human rights abuses and the targeting of critics and foreign officials.
  • The Moroccan government's use of Pegasus raises concerns about the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The Upside

If the Moroccan government is held accountable for its use of Pegasus spyware, it could lead to greater transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology. This could also lead to improved human rights protections for journalists and human rights defenders in Morocco.

The Downside

If the Moroccan government continues to use Pegasus spyware to track critics and foreign officials, it could lead to further human rights abuses and the targeting of dissidents. This could also damage Morocco's relationships with its allies and partners, who may be concerned about the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Originally reported at

middleeasteye.net

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsmoroccopegasussurveillancehumanrightsjournalismmiddleeast

Author

MEE staff

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 17, 2026

Source

middleeasteye.net

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Topics

moroccopegasussurveillancehumanrightsjournalismmiddleeast

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