Politics

Polish prosecution calls 31 witnesses targeted by Pegasus spyware

Polish prosecutors have summoned 31 individuals who may have been targeted by surveillance using the Pegasus spyware during the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, the National Prosecutor’s Office (PK) announced.

The new government has accused the PiS administration of acquiring Pegasus from the Israeli company NSO to monitor individuals associated with the opposition at the time. The allegations stem from reports by Citizen Lab, Apple, and Amnesty International, all pointing to the spyware’s capabilities to infiltrate smartphones and gather data, including conversations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the PK disclosed that summonses have been issued for the initial 31 individuals suspected of falling victim to Pegasus surveillance to appear before prosecutors. These individuals will be questioned as witnesses, according to PK spokesman Przemysław Nowak.

Additionally, the PK revealed that an investigation was launched on March 18 into potential abuse of power and dereliction of duty by public officials during the period from November 7, 2017, to December 31, 2022, involving the use of Pegasus for operational and reconnaissance purposes.

The prosecutor’s office asserts that these activities were detrimental to both the public and private interests of individuals targeted by Pegasus surveillance.
Source: TVP World, PAP
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