David Yambio, an activist from Italy, reported a spyware attack while communicating with the ICC regarding torture victims in Libya. The Citizen Lab confirmed the targeting as part of broader surveillance issues, raising concerns about governmental misuse of military-grade spyware. This situation exacerbates pressures on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni amid scrutiny over rights violations and ongoing investigations into the misuse of such technology.
A prominent activist in Italy has brought significant concerns to the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding a spyware attack on his mobile phone. David Yambio, founder of “Refugees in Libya,” revealed he was under surveillance while providing confidential information about torture victims in Libya to the ICC. This targeting occurred around June 2024, as confirmed by a report from the Citizen Lab, an organization monitoring digital surveillance of civil society members.
Yambio has urged the ICC to ensure their devices are secure, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance against spyware. The ICC’s office of the prosecutor has refrained from commenting on this incident due to ongoing investigations, raising concerns about potential interference in ICC proceedings by entities using military-grade spyware.
This situation places additional pressure on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, especially following the release of Osama Najim, a Libyan national wanted for war crimes. Najim’s release has drawn criticism for the Italian government’s handling of activists and journalists targeted by spyware. Meloni faces scrutiny amid reports regarding the use of spyware under her administration, coinciding with alarming warnings received by activists about their compromised devices.
The Citizen Lab’s report identified others similarly affected, including associates of Yambio and notable figures connected to Pope Francis. While the precise spyware used against Yambio remains unidentified, software linked to Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company, has been confirmed against other activists. The investigation continues as researchers aim to uncover the implications of these attacks.
The Italian government acknowledged its past association with Paragon but denied involvement in surveillance against journalists and activists. Paragon has since halted its contract with the Italian government, citing violations of terms prohibiting targeting civil society individuals. The potential impacts of Paragon’s spyware, called Graphite, which can infiltrate phones and access communications, raise alarming questions about privacy and civil liberties.
Yambio received initial alerts about possible attacks from Apple in November, after which his phone underwent security examinations. Experts emphasized the sophisticated nature and high cost of such spyware, primarily intended to target specific individuals. Apple has worked to address vulnerabilities exploited in these attacks in its software updates.
A range of countries, including Australia and Canada, were identified as clients of Paragon, indicating a broader network of surveillance practices. However, specific arrangements remain undisclosed. Senior researchers have advocated for transparency regarding the deployment of spyware and adherence to legal standards.
Paragon’s executive chair stated that the firm maintains strict compliance with its usage policies and a zero-tolerance stance against illegal activities. Hannah Neumann, a Member of the European Parliament, lamented that the cycle of spyware abuse persists within Europe. She called for strengthened regulations and improved protections for victims of such unfettered surveillance practices.
The surveillance targeting David Yambio highlights critical concerns about the misuse of spyware against civil society members. This incident raises serious questions regarding the integrity of ICC processes and government accountability in Italy. With growing scrutiny over the use of military-grade monitoring tools, there is an urgent need for robust regulations to protect individuals engaged in advocacy and humanitarian efforts. Continued investigations are crucial to ensure justice and transparency in the face of digital threats.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
