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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Stephanie Kirchgaessner and Angela Giuffrida

Critic of Italy-Libya migration pact told he was target of Israeli spyware

Husam El Gomati in a royal blue suit at an awards ceremony
Husam El Gomati is one of a large number of activists and journalists who have been targeted by the Paragon Solutions spyware. Photograph: Twitter/X

A Sweden-based Libyan activist who has been a vocal critic of Italy and its dealings in Libya was alerted by WhatsApp last week that he had been targeted with military-grade spyware, raising new concerns about the possible use of powerful cyberweapons by European governments.

The alleged breach of Husam El Gomati’s mobile phone – as well as the mobile phones of 89 other activists, journalists and members of civil society – was discovered by WhatsApp in late December.

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