From EUobserver · · 1m 30s
Morocco's Surveillance State Extends Beyond Western Sahara
Amnesty reveals Morocco's spyware and surveillance targeting Sahrawi activists, forcing Europe to confront security partnerships.
In brief
Amnesty reveals Morocco's spyware and surveillance targeting Sahrawi activists, forcing Europe to confront security partnerships. Amnesty International's report shows Moroccan intelligence targets Sahrawi activists with spyware and smear campaigns, demanding Europe reevaluate security cooperation. Originally reported…
Amnesty's Surveillance Report
Amnesty International released a report titled 'We Start With the Verdict: Inside Morocco’s Surveillance Machine' in April 2021.
“We Start With the Verdict: Inside Morocco’s Surveillance Machine”
Sahrawi Activists Targeted
Amnesty reports a former Moroccan intelligence officer named 'Safir' described Sahrawis and Riffians as priority intelligence targets beyond Morocco.
“Safir”
Spyware and Smear Campaigns
Amnesty found evidence of Pegasus spyware and cases where Sahrawi activism information reached European media through surveillance.
“Pegasus spyware”
Western Sahara Surveillance
Sahrawi activists face restrictions on expression, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged surveillance under Moroccan rule.
“Sahrawi activists”
European Parliaments Contradiction
The European Parliament rejected Morocco’s use of border control for unaccompanied minors but maintained counterterrorism cooperation with Morocco.
“European Parliament”
Security Partnerships Under Scrutiny
Amnesty questions whether Western security cooperation with Morocco has been used against Sahrawi human rights defenders.
“Western security cooperation”
Sahrawi Human Rights Appeal
Sahrawis demand to be treated as free human beings capable of expressing views about Western Sahara without fear.
“Sahrawis”
Call for One Day Without Fear
Sahrawis seek one day to speak without surveillance, pressure, or concern about their words reaching their phone, workplace, or family.
“One day to speak without surveillance”
Human Rights Over Geopolitics
Amnesty urges Europe to prioritize Sahrawi human rights over geopolitical solutions to Western Sahara.
“Human rights over geopolitics”
The short version
Amnesty International's report shows Moroccan intelligence targets Sahrawi activists with spyware and smear campaigns, demanding Europe reevaluate security cooperation.
