What's Happening?
The London High Court has awarded over $4.1 million in damages to Ghanem Al-Masarir, a Saudi satirist and human rights activist, after finding compelling evidence that his phone was hacked using Pegasus spyware. Al-Masarir, who is based in London, had
sued the Saudi government in 2019, claiming his phone was targeted with the spyware, which is sold by NSO Group exclusively to governments. The court found that the hacking was directed or authorized by the Saudi government or its agents. Al-Masarir also accused agents of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of physically assaulting him in London in 2018. The Saudi government claimed state immunity from prosecution, but the High Court rejected this claim, allowing the case to proceed.
Why It's Important?
This ruling is significant as it highlights the ongoing concerns about the use of government-grade spyware against activists and dissidents. The case underscores the potential misuse of surveillance technology by state actors, raising questions about privacy and human rights. The decision may influence future legal actions against governments accused of similar activities, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and regulation of spyware technologies. It also reflects the challenges faced by individuals in seeking justice against powerful state entities, emphasizing the role of international courts in addressing such grievances.
