Italian activist David Yambio disclosed that his phone was surveilled while informing the ICC about torture victims in Libya. A report confirmed he was targeted by mercenary spyware during this communication. This situation raises concerns regarding governmental surveillance and interference in ICC proceedings, complicating the political landscape for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A prominent activist in Italy, David Yambio, has raised alarm regarding surveillance on his mobile phone while sharing sensitive information about torture victims in Libya with the International Criminal Court (ICC). A report from the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto confirms that Yambio, founder of the organization Refugees in Libya, was targeted using mercenary spyware during his communication with the ICC, particularly around June 2024.
Following the confirmation of the attack, Yambio informed the ICC, advising its members to check their devices for potential spyware. The ICC’s prosecutor’s office refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations. This situation suggests that a government entity might be attempting to interfere with ICC proceedings by monitoring activists advocating for victims of torture.
The implications of these spyware allegations put pressure on Giorgia Meloni’s government, already under scrutiny for its handling of spyware usage since revelations in January regarding surveillance on Italian activists and journalists. Meloni’s administration faced backlash after releasing a Libyan citizen wanted by the ICC for war crimes, further compounding the controversy surrounding her leadership.
The Citizen Lab report highlights that several of Yambio’s associates, including friends of Pope Francis, have also been targeted by hacking software intended for serious crime investigations. Meanwhile, researchers are still determining the specific spyware utilized against Yambio but have confirmed that Paragon Solutions’ software, linked to various activists, was involved in these attacks.
The research team noted that forensic analysis indicated spyware had infiltrated WhatsApp and other applications on the victims’ devices. The Italian government, although admitting its client relationship with Paragon, has denied responsibility for recent surveillance incidents. Paragon has since suspended its contract with Italy due to violations of terms prohibiting spyware against journalists and civil society members.
WhatsApp revealed that approximately 90 of its users, including activists and journalists, were targeted by Paragon’s government clients. Paragon’s spyware, known as Graphite, is notorious for breaching personal device security and accessing private messages, including those in encrypted applications. Yambio was first warned of a potential attack in November, and his phone underwent expert examination.
Apple confirmed that it had identified attacks exploiting vulnerabilities to target Yambio and stated that it successfully developed a fix, released in iOS 18, to safeguard its users. Further inquiries revealed that several other countries may also be clients of Paragon, although specific details regarding their relationships remain undisclosed.
John Scott-Railton, a leading researcher at Citizen Lab, emphasized the need for accountability regarding who employs such spyware and how the gathered information is utilized. Paragon US’s executive chair, John Fleming, acknowledged Citizen Lab’s outreach but indicated limitations in wrongfulness linked to the report.
Hannah Neumann, a Member of the European Parliament investigating spyware use within the EU, stressed that the abuse of such technologies persists in Europe, advocating for enhanced regulations and victim protection to halt ongoing violations. Neumann’s sentiments resonate with the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard individuals from surveillance abuse.
In summary, David Yambio’s exposure of surveillance attempts while collaborating with the ICC highlights critical concerns regarding the misuse of spyware against activists. The involvement of Paragon Solutions raises questions about governmental oversight and accountability in utilizing surveillance technology. Continued scrutiny on the implications of these actions is essential to protect the rights of individuals advocating for victims of torture while emphasizing the need for stronger regulatory measures against such abuses. It remains crucial for governing bodies to implement robust protections that prevent further violations of privacy and civil liberties.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
