Amnesty documents alleged illegal surveillance of Moroccan journalists and activists

Amnesty International says it documented an illegal surveillance system in Morocco targeting dissidents, journalists and human rights defenders.

The account draws on testimony, leaked information, government records and company documents, despite denials by Moroccan authorities.

A former employee of the country’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance said the agency intercepted conversations and tracked people’s movements.

The methods described include spyware on phones, access to devices in internet cafés, recruited neighbours and hidden microphones and cameras.

Journalist Omar Radi and human rights defender Fouad Abdelmoumni described being secretly monitored in their homes.

The reported surveillance can expose people’s private lives and make them afraid to speak or publish, leading to self-censorship.

Amnesty’s research also names technology companies, including NSO Group and Italy’s Memento Labs; Memento Labs said it has no current contracts and has changed its business practices.

The account does not say what action, if any, will follow.