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The Mediterranean Spyware Scandal: A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The Mediterranean Saving Humans Legal Team has recently brought to light a troubling case of state-sponsored espionage targeting activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers in Italy. The case centers around the use of "Graphite," a spyware developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions, which was allegedly used to monitor the activities of individuals like Luca Casarini, founder of the humanitarian organization Mediterranea, and Francesco Cancellato, director of the news website Fanpage.it. This revelation has sparked widespread concern about the misuse of surveillance tools and the potential erosion of democratic freedoms in Italy.
The legal team, representing Casarini, has filed a formal request with the Cybernetic Safety Center of the State Police, demanding an assessment of how state agencies employed spyware to monitor citizens and whether this activity was linked to the political opinions of the targets. Lawyers for Casarini emphasize that no institution, including the government, judiciary, or intelligence agencies, should operate above the law. This stance underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for accountability.
The Italian government has acknowledged instances of espionage against its citizens via WhatsApp, though it has denied any direct responsibility in the matter. The government has also absolved the primary Italian intelligence agencies, Aisi and Aise, as well as the police, of any wrongdoing. Paragon Solutions, on the other hand, has admitted to having only one Italian client—an intelligence agency or police force—but terminated its contract with the Italian government for breach of contractual obligations. This development raises questions about how state agencies obtained and utilized the spyware.
Luca Casarini, a prominent figure in the Mediterranean humanitarian organization, has been vocal about his experiences as a victim of the Graphite spyware. He believes that the espionage is connected to his organization’s work in rescuing migrants at sea and its vocal criticism of human rights abuses in Libya and Tunisia. Casarini has pointed out that Mediterranea is likely a primary target of this operation, given its high-profile advocacy and the fact that other victims include a Libyan activist and Cancellato, whose work also touches on sensitive political issues. He has speculated that the threads of this scandal may lead to Libya, a country already embroiled in controversies, including the case of Osama Almasri, a general accused of torture.
In response to these revelations, a press conference was held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, attended by victims of the Graphite spyware, including Francesco Cancellato. The event highlighted the urgent need for international attention and action. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Democratic Party, M5S, Verdi, and Avs have written to the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, calling for the establishment of an investigative commission to probe the espionage case. This initiative reflects growing concern among European lawmakers about the implications of state-sponsored surveillance for democratic values and press freedom.
Political reactions in Italy have been intense, with opposition leader Elly Schlein demanding that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni address the issue in Parliament. Schlein has criticized Meloni for evading accountability and failing to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom. While Meloni has dismissed the idea of her government targeting Casarini and Cancellato as "ridiculous," the case remains a contentious issue, with further hearings scheduled in the Italian Parliament’s intelligence oversight committee, Copasir. As the investigation unfolds, the Mediterranean spyware scandal serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties in a democratic state. The outcomes of this case will have far-reaching implications for transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights in Italy and beyond.
