Algeria concerned over Morocco’s alleged use of Pegasus spyware

This studio photographic illustration shows a smartphone with the website of Israel’s NSO Group which features ‘Pegasus’ spyware, on display on 21 July 2021 [JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images]

Algeria expressed concerns yesterday following media reports that the Israeli Pegasus spyware has been used to eavesdrop on Algerian officials and citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers said that the government is particularly concerned that neighbouring Morocco is alleged to have used Pegasus “to spy on Algerian officials and citizens”. It condemned this “systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Relations between Algeria and Morocco have never been very good post-independence. Algeria backs the Polisario Front in its efforts to establish a fully independent republic in Western Sahara, over which Morocco claims sovereignty. The border between the two countries has been closed for decades.

READ: Algeria recalls ambassador from Morocco for consultation

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