London (UK), October 3, 2026 (SPS) – Amnesty International said in a new report that Morocco’s surveillance system extends beyond digital spying to the collection of private information, smear campaigns, judicial harassment and arrests, targeting human rights defenders, journalists and activists, including Sahrawis.
The organization said Pegasus spyware is one component of this system, alongside device hacking, communications interception, location tracking, covert audio and video recording, and access to phone data, as well as physical surveillance and the collection of information about the movements and activities of human rights defenders.
Amnesty said information collected through these methods can be used in smear campaigns, including the publication of private information, photographs and recordings in media outlets supportive of the authorities, followed in some cases by judicial proceedings, arrests and trials.
In Western Sahara, the organization documented continued arrests, surveillance and restrictions targeting Sahrawi activists and protest organizers, including the dispersal of peaceful demonstrations calling for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence.
Amnesty International said the combination of surveillance, smear campaigns and judicial harassment creates a “chilling effect” extending to the families and social and professional networks of targeted individuals, limiting the ability of human rights defenders, journalists and activists to exercise their rights.
The organization called on the Moroccan authorities to end unlawful surveillance, conduct independent and effective investigations, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure remedies for victims. It also called on states to suspend the export of spyware and surveillance technologies to Morocco until safeguards are established to prevent their misuse.
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