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Saudi satirist hacked with Pegasus spyware wins damages in court battle
A London court awarded Saudi satirist Ghanem Al-Masarir over £3 million for damages after finding evidence he was hacked with Pegasus spyware, allegedly linked to the Saudi government. The case highlighted the intertwining of digital surveillance and physical attacks on critics. Saudi Arabia denied responsibility and claimed state immunity, but the court refuted this, underscoring the risks activists face globally.
Key points
- Ghanem Al-Masarir, a Saudi satirist, was awarded over £3 million in damages by the London High Court.
- His phone was hacked using Pegasus spyware, which is sold to governments by NSO Group.
- Al-Masarir claims his phone was targeted due to his criticism of the Saudi regime on his popular YouTube channel.
- He underwent a physical assault in London in 2018, believed to be orchestrated by Saudi agents.
- The Saudi government claimed state immunity but the court found sufficient evidence implicating them.
- The ruling also suggested the physical assault was likely linked to the Saudi government.
Why it matters
- This case is part of a broader trend regarding surveillance technology misuse by state actors, which includes prominent cases like the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- The use of spyware like Pegasus highlights ongoing debates about privacy, civil liberties, and government overreach.
- By 2025, increased regulation and accountability for tech firms and greater scrutiny on government surveillance practices are anticipated trends.
The court ruling against the Saudi government represents a significant stand for activists facing digital and physical threats, potentially influencing future cases and shaping the discourse around state surveillance practices.