Activist Warns ICC of Spyware Surveillance Amidst Libya Torture Details
David Yambio, an activist, alerted the ICC to a spyware attack on his phone while sharing details of Libya’s torture victims. The Citizen Lab confirmed that this was part of broader surveillance affecting multiple activists. This incident raises critical concerns regarding governmental misuse of surveillance technologies and highlights the importance of protecting those advocating for human rights.
A prominent activist in Italy, David Yambio, founder of Refugees in Libya, has alerted the International Criminal Court (ICC) about a spyware attack that occurred while he was sharing confidential information regarding torture victims in Libya. The Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto, revealed that Yambio’s phone was targeted by mercenary spyware during communications with the ICC, particularly around June 2024.
In a statement to The Guardian, Yambio indicated that he informed the ICC of the incident and advised officials to have their devices checked for spyware. The ICC’s office of the prosecutor has refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations related to this matter.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding potential governmental misuse of military-grade spyware aimed at disrupting ICC proceedings by surveilling advocates for torture victims. Additionally, it intensifies scrutiny on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, especially following prior allegations of unauthorized spyware usage by her government.
Meloni’s administration has encountered criticism after the release of Osama Najim, a Libyan citizen wanted by the ICC for war crimes. Najim oversees a detention center in Libya notorious for abuse and torture, making the decision particularly controversial amid ongoing human rights abuses involving migrants and dissidents.
The Citizen Lab confirmed that several of Yambio’s associates and personal acquaintances, including two who are friends of Pope Francis, were also targeted by spyware typically deployed in counter-terrorism and serious crime investigations. While the precise spyware utilized against Yambio remains unidentified, researchers continue their investigation.
Findings indicate that Paragon Solutions, an Israeli surveillance technology firm, produced the spyware that targeted other activists. Examination of Android phones linked to the individuals in Italy revealed unequivocal signs of spyware infection across various apps, including WhatsApp. The Italian government has acknowledged its contractual relationship with Paragon but denied responsibility for recent surveillance attacks on journalists and activists.
Notably, Paragon has suspended its contract with the Italian government over alleged misuses contrary to its stipulations for ethical usage against civilians or journalists. Earlier indications from WhatsApp highlighted that 90 users had been subjected to surveillance by governmental clients of Paragon. The sophisticated nature of Paragon’s spyware allows for extensive data access, thereby endangering privacy.
David Yambio received early warnings of a potential spyware attack from Apple, leading to an examination of his device by experts. Apple subsequently confirmed fixing the security vulnerabilities exploited to compromise Yambio, emphasizing the complexity and costliness of developing such sophisticated attacks.
Reports suggest that additional countries beyond Italy, such as Australia, Canada, and Denmark, may also have affiliations with Paragon, although the specifics of these relationships remain hidden. Concerns voiced by Citizen Lab researchers focus on accountability regarding the deployment of spyware and its compliance with domestic laws.
John Fleming of Paragon US stated that the company has a strict policy against targeting journalists and civil activists and expressed uncertainty due to limited information from the Citizen Lab. European Member of Parliament Hannah Neumann highlighted enduring concerns about spyware abuse in Europe, advocating for stronger regulations and accountability to halt the cycle of abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
The alert raised by David Yambio regarding the spyware attack emphasizes the grave implications of digital surveillance on human rights advocacy and international justice processes. This occurrence not only raises concerns about potential governmental misconduct but also puts significant pressure on the Italian government to address its approach toward spyware usage, particularly in relation to human rights activists. The call for robust regulations and accountability measures echoes the urgent need to protect individuals advocating for victims of torture and other abuses.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
