A recent report titled "On commence par le verdict. Au cœur de l’appareil de surveillance marocain" has shed light on the methods used by Moroccan security services to target voices that criticize the government. The report has implicated the Moroccan authorities in using various tactics to spy on and silence opponents and journalists. These tactics include the use of spy software, hidden cameras, and blackmail.
The report is based on the testimony of a whistleblower named Safir, a former member of the Moroccan General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). Safir's testimony has provided a rare insight into the functioning of Morocco's large-scale surveillance system. According to the report, targets were recorded without their knowledge in detention centers, offices, cars, airports, and even in their bedrooms.
The Moroccan security services have been accused of using Israeli-made spy software, including Pegasus. The report has identified the DGST as the entity responsible for the abusive use of Pegasus and other spy methods. Amnesty International has corroborated Safir's testimony with independent sources, technical evidence, and interviews with victims of surveillance.
The report has revealed that various methods were used to infect devices, including physical infection, "one-click" attacks, "zero-click" attacks, and network injection attacks. The DGST has also been accused of selling pre-infected mobile phones to targets with the complicity of phone shop owners. Neighbors of targets were also recruited as informants.
The report has highlighted several cases of surveillance and blackmail. For example, journalist Omar Radi was spied on using transmitters installed in the lamps of his apartment. Human rights activist Fouad Abdelmoumni was filmed in his home with his partner, and the video was shared on WhatsApp. A camera was even installed in his air conditioner.
The report has described the "repressive ecosystem" in Morocco, which makes it difficult and dangerous to exercise rights. Even after release from detention, targeted individuals continue to live under surveillance and are subject to smear campaigns based on private information obtained through surveillance.
The report has concluded that Morocco's actions constitute a new proof of the existence of a global "techno-oppression" economy, made possible by companies and states that do not respect their obligations under international law.
Key points
- Moroccan security services have been accused of using surveillance, blackmail, and hidden cameras to silence opponents and journalists.
- The DGST has been identified as the entity responsible for the abusive use of Pegasus and other spy methods.
- The report has highlighted the existence of a global "techno-oppression" economy, made possible by companies and states that do not respect their obligations under international law.
