Title: Pegasus Spyware Victims Seek Justice: UK Police Urged to Investigate NSO Group
Introduction:
In July 2020, Anas Altikriti, a prominent British human rights defender and hostage negotiator, discovered that his phone had been hacked by Pegasus, the notorious phone hacking software developed by Israel’s NSO Group. Four years later, Altikriti, along with three other UK-based human rights activists, filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Police in London, accusing NSO Group of complicity in the targeted hacking of their phones. This article delves into the details of the case, highlighting the significance of the complaint and the potential implications for human rights defenders.
Hacked on British Soil:
Altikriti, along with Azzam Tamimi, Mohammed Kozbar, and Yusuf Al Jamri, were all victims of phone hacking between 2018 and 2021 on British soil. The complaint filed with the police targets NSO Group, its board members, NSO’s parent company Q Cyber Technologies, and Novalpina, the London-based private equity firm that acquired NSO in 2019. The activists allege that these entities enabled state actors, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, to hack their phones using Pegasus.
The Urgency for Justice:
The complaint, prepared by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), emphasizes the need for the UK to take a stand against the hacking of human rights defenders on its own soil. The filing, which includes extensive evidence, puts the onus on the Metropolitan Police to open an investigation and potentially bring charges against NSO Group and its associates. The hope is that this case will serve as a landmark moment for targeted human rights defenders.
NSO Group’s Defense:
NSO Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that it complies with all laws and regulations and sells its technologies exclusively to vetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The company argues that Pegasus plays a crucial role in combating terrorism, dismantling criminal networks, and saving lives. However, NSO has faced significant backlash, with the US blacklisting the company in 2021 due to allegations of enabling human rights abuses.
The UK’s Inaction:
The UK government’s failure to sanction NSO Group is particularly concerning, given that the government itself has been a target of Pegasus attacks. Cybersecurity researchers have identified the UK prime minister’s office and the Foreign Office as likely victims of multiple Pegasus attacks, with the UAE being the main suspect. Despite calls from members of Parliament, no action has been taken against NSO in the UK.
International Investigations and Lawsuits:
While prosecutors in various countries have investigated NSO Group, including in Spain, Hungary, and Poland, no formal charges have been filed so far. In the US, NSO faces multiple lawsuits, including one from WhatsApp and another from Apple. Apple recently sought to dismiss its case after Israeli officials seized NSO documents, potentially hindering the disclosure of critical information about Pegasus.
The Fight for Accountability:
Altikriti and Kozbar previously sent a pre-claim notice to NSO, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, indicating their intention to file a civil suit over the alleged Pegasus phone hacking. NSO responded by claiming that English courts had no jurisdiction over them and that the claims were barred by state immunity. The current complaint to the police represents another effort to hold NSO accountable for its actions.
The Implications for Privacy:
Altikriti emphasizes the importance of exposing the hacking of human rights defenders, as it raises concerns about the erosion of privacy. The potential lack of privacy for individuals worldwide is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The hope is that this case will lead to concrete action and prevent further violations of privacy and human rights.
Conclusion:
The complaint filed by Altikriti and other human rights activists against NSO Group represents a significant step towards seeking justice for victims of Pegasus spyware. The involvement of the Metropolitan Police in London raises hopes for a thorough investigation and potential charges against NSO and its associates. This case serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect privacy and hold accountable those who engage in illegal surveillance activities.
